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VN trip to South Africa
Plumpton College nurses study abroad

A veterinary nursing group from Plumpton College, which is based in East Sussex, travelled to South Africa in March to study and assist with animal care.

The group consisted of two lecturers from the college, which offers a wide variety of land-based courses, three qualified veterinary nurses and 11 veterinary nursing students.

During the two-week trip the group was based just outside Grahamstown, which is approximately an hour and a half away from Port Elizabeth.

As well as studying aspects of veterinary nursing, the group assisted the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

As well as helping with the care of animals residing at the centre, nurses got involved with the care of local dogs by assisting with worming, vaccinations and dipping.

According to the college, the trip was a great success for its students and is an initiative which will be repeated in the future.

For more information, visit the Plumpton College website.

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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.