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Call For Farm Vets to Complete VDC Survey
Farms vets are being asked to fill in a survey on large animal practices in the UK.

The Veterinary Development Council has joined forces with the BVA to organise an online poll in order to identify the different types of business models used within large animal practices across the UK.

The VDC is charged with investigating the future of farm animal practice and its working group is headed by John Fishwick, the president of the BCVA.

He described the aim of the survey as aiming to get a "snapshot of the types of large animal practices that are out there in the UK - the plan is to then get a report together summarising the types of practice and their possible advantages and disadvantages."

The survey should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Questions include the proportion of practice turnover generated by private and Government work, as well as management models and out-of-hours cover.

Professor Fishwick urged vets to get involved, saying: "We're really anxious for as many practices to participate as possible."

You can access the survey here.


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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.