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RSPCA launches toolkit to help vets treat wildlife
"We've put together this toolkit to help vets and vet nurses to help maximise the welfare for these species" - Justine Shotton, RSPCA head vet for wildlife and exotics.

The online resource includes practical advice on how to perform clinical examinations. 

A new online resource to help vets and veterinary nurses provide care for British wildlife presented to them by the public has been launched by the RSPCA.

Bringing together essential information and evidence in on place, the RSPCA's Wildlife Toolkit has been designed by the charity's veterinary team with support from BSAVA, BVA Journals, BVZS and an array of wildlife groups and charities.

Justine Shotton, former BVA president and head vet for wildlife and exotics at the RSPCA, said:  “Vet practices do an amazing job caring for sick and injured wild animals brought in by members of the public and rehabilitators, providing appropriate first aid, pain relief and euthanasia under the RCVS Code. 

“It can be daunting for those who don't see wildlife frequently, so we've put together this toolkit to help vets and vet nurses to help maximise the welfare for these species.”

The Toolkit includes practical advice on how to perform clinical examinations, information about common conditions seen in wildlife species and other areas that may be lesser-known to veterinary practitioners, such as wildlife legislation. 

Users can navigate the resource by species and area, such as triage, legislation and pharmaceuticals, and it will be updated by the RSPCA as new research and protocols are developed. Furthermore, the toolkit includes sensitive information regarding euthanasia and suitability for release, along with informative films put together by the RSPCA's expert teams and their partners. 

Justine added: “All of the content of the toolkit can count towards vet and vet nurse CPD; including reading the articles, watching the presentations or completing the interactive training online training course, Wildlife Rehab - the First 24 hours. I’d encourage all vet professionals to take a look at the site, and to add the toolkit to their bookmarks for future reference.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.