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Northern Ireland VN of the Year
Claire McConaghy wins the 2011 VN award

The British Veterinary Nursing Association and Hill’s Pet Nutrition were delighted to award Claire McConaghy of Firmount Veterinary Clinic in Antrim, the Northern Ireland VN of the Year 2011.
 
Claire, who received a fantastic 12 nominations from clients and colleagues, was awarded a trophy and £250 gift voucher. Gemma Snodgrass of Parkview Veterinary Clinic in Strabane was awarded Animal Nursing Assistant of the Year and Mairead Mulvenna of Balmoral Veterinary Clinic in Belfast, Trainee Veterinary Nurse of the Year.  Both Gemma and Mairead received a £100 gift voucher along with their award trophy.
 
Paula Quinn RVN MBVNA, Northern Ireland Regional Co-ordinator of the BVNA commented, “It’s so heartening to hear about these exceptional individuals, year after year.  The quality of entries never diminishes and it is wonderful to be able to recognise the efforts of these unsung heroes in such a public way.”  Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Susie Turner thanked everyone who took the time to complete a nomination, “I rarely get through reading all the entries without developing a lump in my throat and feeling hugely proud to be associated with the veterinary nursing community. Our warmest congratulations go to the winners, well done!”

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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.