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Veterinary tip winner at BCVA congress
Advice from Somerset vet wins competition

Vet Phil Kenward has won a competition at the BCVA congress for the best practical veterinary tip.

The tip was: "Do not allow the owner's diagnosis of his problem to worry or influence you before you examine the animal yourself."

Mr Kenward, of Farm Vets South West in Somerset, won a bottle of port for his wise words.

The competition was organised to celebrate the launch of The Pocket Book of Tips for Practising Vets. Money raised from its sales will go to the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF).

President of the VBF Lydia Brown, said: "This book has been a monumental effort by six mixed practice vets, to both share their experience with the profession and to provide very welcome funds for the veterinary profession’s own charity, the VBF."

Judges Jonathan Statham, president of BCVA, and Andrew Praill, senior vice president, decided to award Mr Kenward winner of the competition. 

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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.