Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Vets Express Gratitude for Work of Vet Nurses
Noel Fitzpatrick
BVNA Congress draws attention to crucial work of veterinary nurses. 

The annual congress of the British Veterinary Nursing Association draws to its conclusion today, after three days of quality CPD, workshops, exhibitions and socials.

Yesterday saw a wide range of events including the BVNA award ceremony, which was opened by Noel Fitzpatrick, the “bionic vet.” In an engaging address to the delegates, he made a heartfelt declaration of gratitude to the role of the veterinary nurse in the care of animals, the support of veterinary surgeons and the running of the practice.

He drew attention to the “hundreds” of jobs vet nurses perform in the surgery which he, as the surgeon, “cannot do” and stressed that without nurses, vets would be incapable of working.

Similarly, Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association visited Congress on Saturday and expressed his admiration for the BVNA.

He commented: “BVNA have matured into a serious representative body and BVA are proud to support them.”

Congress has been running since Friday 7th October and the last lectures will end this afternoon, Sunday 9th October.

The Kettering Conference Centre in Northamptonshire has been host to hundreds of delegates from all over the UK attending the 38th annual BVNA Congress.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.