Veterinary Nurse Educator Award nominations open
The award celebrates the commitment of staff who support veterinary nurses.
All members of the veterinary profession, including student vets and veterinary nurses, are being invited to nominate individuals for the Central Qualifications Veterinary Nurse Educator of the Year Award.
Nominations for the award, which celebrates the commitment and hard work of staff who support veterinary nurses in the UK, will close on Friday, 11 April 2025.
Nominees can be anyone involved in training and educating veterinary nurses in the UK, from college tutors and practical teachers, to clinical coaches and other members of the training practice teams.
The winners will be presented with their awards on 31 May at Central Hall, Westminster, by British naturalist and adventurer Catherine (Cat) Capon.
CQ director Jacqui Garrett said: “The VN Educator of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication and hard work of those who train and educate veterinary nurses in the UK.
“It is an honour to meet the winners at the CQ graduation ceremony, and to acknowledge the successes of their students. Having seen many deserving individuals nominated since the inception of our award, we look forward to receiving numerous nominations once again this year.”
Last year’s winners were Donna Green of Central College of Animal Studies and Beverly Shingleton of Plumpton College, who were recognised for their talents, skills and dedication to veterinary nurse training.
For more information about the award and to submit a nomination, visit cqual.org/awards-nomination
Image (C) Central Qulaifications.
Battersea celebrates neutering milestone
The charity marks World Spay Day with important reminder.
This World Spay Day (25 February), animal rescue organisation Battersea are celebrating a milestone achievement of neutering its 200,000th cat through its low cost-neutering scheme, C4.
Designed to support pet owners and tackle the rising population of unwanted felines, C4 was established in 1999 by animal welfare charities Battersea, Cats Protection, RSPCA and SNIP to help control the growing feline population in and around London.
It sees the charities handing out low-cost neutering vouchers at local veterinary practices and, more recently, vouchers for microchipping – something that recently became a legal requirement for all owned cats in England.
As the scheme enters its 26th year of operation, the charities involved are bringing attention to the importance of neutering cats to avoid unwanted pregnancies and support the general health and welfare of cats.
JoAnna Puzzo, feline behaviour and training manager at Battersea, said: “Neutering is an incredibly important consideration for cat owners, not only to prevent roaming behaviour often seen in unneutered cats and female cats having accidental litters, but also to help reduce the risk of disease transmission and future health challenges, allowing for healthier and happier pets.
“Through jointly funding the C4 scheme with our sector peers, we are able to help even more cats beyond our gates and support owners with the cost of neutering to improve the welfare of cats in and around London.”
Battersea reported its highest number of cats needing its help in the last five years in 2024, including a rise in stray and young litters. One such cat was one-year old Nik Nak, who was brought to Battersea after being found as a heavily pregnant stray.
Nik Nak and her kittens were cared for by one of Battersea’s dedicated foster carers in their own home and, after learning about each cat’s personality and needs, they were matched to new owners and have all since gone to loving homes.
Alison Richards, chief veterinary officer at Cats Protection, said: “At Cats Protection we are excited to be collaborating with Battersea as part of the C4 group, to support the welfare of cats across the London region.
“Targeted neutering programmes, such as C4, not only offer a positive welfare intervention for those individual cats receiving support with neutering but help us work towards creating a more balanced cat population, where every cat experiences a good quality of life.”
Image (C) Shutterstock.
Organisations respond to CMA working papers
A number of veterinary groups have published preliminary responses to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) working papers.
The CMA released six working papers on 6 February, assessing the evidence it has gathered and the group’s emerging views. External research papers have also been shared on the case page.
Preliminary responses to the CMA’s working papers have already been published by leading veterinary organisations, including the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP).
BVA, RCVS and FIVP have each individually welcomed the CMA’s recognition of the contributions of individual veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. In their overview document, the CMA said it commended veterinary professionals’ ‘dedication and commitment to pet owners’.
The CMA’s findings included a survey, in which 88 per cent of pet owners agreed that their veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses offered the highest standard of care to their pets.
There was also mutual agreement from the organisations on the CMA’s comments on the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The inquiry group stated that the legislation had not kept up with changes in the industry, particularly changes to the ownership of practices.
This was well-received by all three organisations, with RCVS’ response stating: “We are acutely aware that the regulatory workarounds we have needed to put in place over recent years to compensate for this outdated legislation, such as our voluntary Practice Standards Scheme and the Veterinary Client Mediation Service, can only go so far until such times as new legislation is enacted by parliament.”
However, in their preliminary responses, the organisations have raised some concern about the limitations of the CMA inquiry’s findings.
BVA’s response flags the importance of the CMA inquiry group understanding the nuances of the veterinary sector. It particularly references key services such as out of hours treatment and referrals, and its hopes that future remedies do not lead to a reduction in choice for clients.
FIVP business development manager Rita Dingwall said: “The CMA clearly have been listening to concerns raised by FIVP and others and in their overview document appear to understand the complex nature of the veterinary sector.
“The overarching consideration in this process is animal welfare and FIVP will continue to press this point in the many nuances of the investigation.”
BVA, FIVP, BSAVA and BVNA will present full evidence to the CMA at a formal hearing in March.
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CMA releases series of working papers
It highlights the professionalism and skills of individual veterinary practitioners.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a series of working papers, revealing its emerging views and assessing the evidence it has received.
Across six documents, the CMA shares its findings on how people purchase veterinary services, current business models in the sector, the state of competition, existing regulatory framework, and analyses local competition.
In an overview of its findings so far, the CMA has highlighted the value of independent veterinary practitioners when consumers choose a veterinary practice. In a survey, 88 per cent of pet owners said that their veterinary surgeon was focused on the highest standard of care for their pet.
The inquiry group writes: “We have been hugely impressed by the dedication and commitment to pet owners and their animals shown by individual vets and vet nurses.
"While we are interested to explore the pressures faced by vets as employees and owners of businesses, nothing in our work should be taken to cast doubt on the professionalism, clinical skills or ethics of the vast majority of individual veterinary practitioners"
The CMA states that the veterinary sector has changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. As well as changes in pet ownership, it confirms that there has been ‘extensive’ consolidation in the industry, with large corporate groups holding a much bigger share of practices compared to independent practices.
Despite all these changes, it notes that the legislation that governs the sector dates from 1966, and has not been updated to match developments in the industry.
Twenty-one per cent of respondents felt that practice ownership was important to them, with 68 per cent of these preferring to use an independent practice.
The inquiry group also reflects on evidence collected on the pricing of medications, the up-selling of veterinary treatments and the limited choice of referral services.
As the investigation continues, the CMA says it has been using its statutory powers to source and analyse information from veterinary businesses. The evidence has also been sourced from two commissioned pieces of market research, surveying pet owners and veterinary professionals.
The CMA inquiry group says that it will continue to gather information, and will seek to develop its understanding through consultation on the six published working papers. Three more working papers are expected to be published in spring.
Ahead of a full response, British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “These working papers clearly show the CMA has been listening to BVA as we’ve represented our members and the profession. I’m particularly proud to see the hard work, dedication and professionalism of vet teams acknowledged.”
“This is the profession that I know and love and is a far cry from the misleading media headlines we’ve endured since the CMA launched its investigation over 12 months ago.”
The working papers can be found here.
Image © Shutterstock
Articles by
Steph Cook
R Eddie Clutton
Clinical director
Siuna A Reid
Exotics specialist
Stephenie Malone
Specialist employment solicitor
Karen Wild
Clinical animal behaviourist
Claire Hodgson
Equine clinician
Kerry Doolin
Emergency and critical care clinician
Hilary Orpet
Senior lecturer and veterinary nurse
Clara Ashcroft
Marketing and communications writer and journalist
Jemma Fry
Veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist
Stephanie Williams
Diagnostic radiographer
Norman Johnston
Dental and oral surgery specialist
Kieran Borgeat
Specialist in veterinary cardiology
Claire Hargrave
Animal behaviourist and lecturer
Emma Purnell
Veterinary nurse
John Hill
Bee enthusiast and experienced veterinary surgeon
John Matthews
Veterinary surgeon with a specific interest in goat care
Hayley Walters
Welfare and anaesthesia veterinary nurse
Helen Ballantyne
Human and veterinary nurse
Rob Tillyard
Specialising in veterinary practice management systems
Jane Ellison
Senior information scientist at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service
Alice Allbrook
James Yeates
Chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA
Joanne Webster
Head RVN, specialist in veterinary nurse training
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Peeing contagious for chimpanzees, study finds
A new study has suggested that urinating might be a contagious behaviour among chimpanzees.
Keepers at the Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan believe that their captive chimpanzees may be engaging in ‘contagious urinations’, where the primates urinate in response to the urinations of others nearby.
To examine this phenomenon, researchers from Kyoto University monitored the behaviour of 20 chimpanzees living at the sanctuary over the course of more than 600 hours. This included 1,328 urination events, which were analysed in the context of other nearby individuals.
The data confirmed that the act of urination is socially contagious among chimpanzees. The recorded urination events appeared to be synchronised with other chimpanzees, rather than occurring at random times.
This contagious urination was increased by physical proximity with the initial urinator. Chimpanzees in lower dominance ranks appeared more likely to follow urination behaviours.
This also suggests that contagious urination could be influenced by a social hierarchy, so the behaviour tends to ‘flow down’ the dominance structure.
Based on assumptions from the semi-voluntary behaviour of yawning, the researchers also expected social closeness to be a factor in urination patterns.
However, the urination events showed no link between socially close pairs and contagious urination. Instead it was the social hierarchy which led urination patterns among the group.
The researchers say that this seemingly mundane behaviour could have further implications for social behaviours among chimpanzees. They say that contagious peeing could provide insights into group cohesion, coordination and the social bonds between the primates.
Shinya Yamamoto, from Kyoto University, said: “This was an unexpected and fascinating result, as it opens up multiple possibilities for interpretation,
“For instance, it could reflect hidden leadership in synchronising group activities, the reinforcement of social bonds, or attention bias among lower-ranking individuals. These findings raise intriguing questions about the social functions of this behaviour.”
The researchers say that further study could look into the specific mechanisms of contagious urination in chimpanzees, as well as investigating whether this occurs in other species.
The full study can be found in the journal Current Biology.
Image © Shutterstock
RCVS renewal fees increase by four per cent
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a four per cent increase to its annual renewal fees.
RCVS treasurer Tshidi Gardiner said that the council had tried to keep the fees to a minimum, while increasing the fees in line with inflation. It is a two per cent lower increase than in 2024.
Fee notices will be sent to veterinary surgeons within the first two weeks of March, who will have until 1 April to pay for their annual renewal.
Veterinary surgeons who do not pay their fee before 1 May will incur a higher fee of £36. Non-payment by 1 June could mean they are removed from the RCVS register.
The veterinary nurse annual renewal period, taking place in autumn, will see the same percentage increase.
Members who are concerned about paying their fees can contact RCVS’ Finance Team on finance@rcvs.org.uk or by calling 020 7202 0722.
Image © Shutterstock
Wales licenses Bluetongue vaccines for voluntary use
The Welsh government has approved three Bluetongue vaccines for emergency use in Wales.
From 1 March an online general licence will become available for the vaccines' use. It will then be obtainable on prescription and can be sold by veterinary practices.
After appropriate guidance, livestock keepers will be permitted to administer the vaccines themselves. The vaccines must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeon and detailed vaccination records must be kept for five years.
The decision comes as Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) continues to spread across England. The three vaccines are already licensed for use in England.
Richard Irvine, CVO for Wales, said: “This decision to license these vaccines was informed by our recent risk assessment indicating that Wales is now at high risk of experiencing an incursion of Bluetongue this year.
“Our primary aim is to keep Bluetongue out of Wales through biosecurity, vigilance and safe sourcing of livestock.”
Image © Shutterstock
Farmers and vets invited to bTB trials
The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) has invited veterinary surgeons and farmers to volunteer for field trials of a cattle TB vaccine.
Phase 3 of the project will take place on commercial cattle farms in areas of England and Wales which have a low incidence rate of bTB. It is set to be completed in 2026/2027.
The project is testing the efficacy of the CattleBCG vaccine, which works to stimulate a protective immune response in cattle. Used with a new skin test, Detect Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA), APHA says the vaccine is a ‘significant advancement’ in bTB control.
So far in the project, vaccinated animals have shown significant protection against a high dose of bTB.
This phase of the trials is designed to obtain further information about the DIVA skin test. The trial will check that bTB infected cattle that are vaccinated can be detected reliable among vaccinated and disease-free animals.
The tuberculin test, which is currently in use, has been unable to provide this level of data.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been testing the tools as part of a project to develop a revised TB eradication strategy to tackle TB rates in England.
It is working in partnership with the Welsh government, supporting the Wales TB Eradication Programme Delivery Plan. The plan seeks to eradicate TB in Wales by 2041.
The Welsh government also recently announced its new Bovine TB Eradication Programme Board for Wales.
Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer for the UK, said: “Bovine tuberculosis has remained one of the most difficult animal disease challenges to tackle, causing devastation to farmers and rural communities.
“These trials and the active participation of farmers will help us in ensuring any new vaccine and testing approach is both effective and practical.”
Gavin Watkins, deputy chief veterinary officer for Wales, added: “As we move forward with Phase 3 of this vital research, I would urge cattle keepers in Wales who have eligible cattle herds to contact APHA with a view to taking part.”
The inclusion criteria for participating cattle herds can be viewed here. If you meet the criteria, contact APHA at TB.Advice@apha.gov.uk to register interest.
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BVA welcomes government commitment to legislative reform
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the government’s engagement with the veterinary profession as it addresses the reformation of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Speaking at BVA’s annual Westminster Dinner, BVA president Elizabeth Mullineaux discussed the urgent need for updated legislation to regulate veterinary practices.
Dr Mullineaux described how the existing Veterinary Surgeons Act failed to regulate modern veterinary practices. Instead, she said it leaves veterinary surgeons and nurses accountable for business decisions outside of their control.
The speech also attacked the current legislation’s approach to the wider veterinary team. Dr Mullineaux said that it was ‘concerning’ that the veterinary nurse title is not protected, meaning that anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse.
Dr Mullineaux said: “My presidential theme is ‘a profession that cares’. Vets not only care for animals, putting their health and welfare at the centre of everything we do; but we also care for each other, our teams and our clients.
“To continue caring for animals and the profession, we need a fit-for-purpose modern regulatory framework that recognises the importance of all members of the veterinary team and the modern structures of veterinary businesses.”
The BVA president urged guests, including veterinary professionals, MPs and other peers, to support the development of a new act.
Daniel Zeichner MP, minister of state of food security and rural affairs, said: “I think each [BVA] dinner I've been to, the Veterinary Surgeons Act has come up. We absolutely understand it.
“We’re engaging with you and with the other stakeholders from the RCVS, the BVNA, the Vet Schools Council, to look at how we can go about reforming the VSA and that core working group is looking at how changes to policy can support the profession, animals and consumer in a future facing and future proof way.”
Among the other topics in Dr Mullineaux’s speech was the Kept Animal Bill, which is now being introduced through independent legislation.
This includes the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) which restricts the importation and non-commercial movement of such animals. This would mean a ban on the import of dogs with cropped ears and the introduction of pre-import testing.
Dr Mullineaux said: “We have worked with our colleague Danny Chambers, veterinary surgeon and MP, who introduced this Bill with the support of Neil Hudson MP, another veterinary colleague.
“We would urge other MPs and Lords to support this Bill as it goes through both Houses.”
Image © BVA
Biosecurity 'greatest weapon' against avian flu, says DAERA minister
The minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has urged Northern Ireland to strictly follow required biosecurity rules as new cases are reported.
In a statement, Andrew Muir described biosecurity as the ‘greatest weapon’ against avian influenza, calling on bird keepers to familiarise themselves with the latest government guidance. Suspected avian influenza cases must be reported immediately.
The calls come as Northern Ireland faces a third suspected case of notifiable avian influenza.
DAERA is currently investigating commercial poultry premises near Cookstown, County Tyrone, where a suspected case was reported on Sunday, 23 February. Preliminary test results have indicated that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is present.
The findings have led DAERA to set up Temporary Control Zones (TCZs) in the area and all 32,000 birds on site have been humanely culled. Brian Dooher, chief veterinary officer, said the decision was based on observed clinical signs and the preliminary test results.
Mr Dooher said: “Disease control measures have been introduced to limit any potential spread of the disease.
“Bird keepers, whether commercial or backyard, must maintain high biosecurity standards and fully comply with all requirements that have been implemented to control this devastating disease.”
On 18 January, Northern Ireland announced an Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) across the country after DAERA identified the first case of avian influenza since 2023 in a wild goose. This was followed by mandatory housing measures on 17 February, requiring kept birds to be separate from wild birds.
Mr Muir said: “It has been a difficult week for the poultry sector with three commercial premises to have HPAI confirmed or suspected. My Department is urgently responding and carrying out robust disease control actions, including the humane culling of affected poultry and cleansing and disinfection.
“My Department will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders along with our counterparts in Great Britain and Ireland to stop the spread of this disease.”
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Stone-curlew conservation project celebrates 40 years
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is marking 40 years of a project to protect numbers of stone-curlews in England.
The conservation charity launched the scheme in 1985, amid dwindling numbers and a limited range for the the bird.
In 1985, RSPB estimated that there were only 150 breeding pairs remaining of the stone curlew. The charity says this is due to the disappearance of possible nesting sites, such as downland and heathland.
Without these sites, stone-curlews had been forced to relocate to arable fields, facing increasing threat from farming machinery. The use of pesticides has also meant there has been fewer insects for birds and their chicks to eat.
In response to the threat, RSPB introduced two projects: the RSPB Wessex Stone-curlew Project and the RSPB Eastern England Stone-curlew Project.
Conservation teams, funded by the government, worked with landowners, farmers and gamekeepers to find a way to protect stone-curlew nests. Through this collaboration, special nesting sites were secured that keep stone-curlews and their chicks away from disturbance.
There are now 207 farms across Wessex and eastern England involved in the scheme, providing 305 monitored nesting sites.
As a result of the scheme, stone-curlew numbers in Wessex have increased from 30 breeding pairs in 1985 to 120 confirmed breeding pairs now. In 2024, 70 per cent of breeding attempts took place on specially-created nesting sites and 90 per cent of young fledged came from the nesting sites.
In eastern England, stone-curlew numbers went from less than 100 breeding pairs to approximately 226 breeding pairs in 2024.
Stone-curlew’s low breeding rate means that the population grows slowly and is vulnerable to change. Nonetheless, it is now estimated that there are 350 breeding pairs across the UK, compared to just 150 in 1985.
Tim Cowan, RSPB conservation officer, said: “The willingness of farmers and landowners to work with the projects and our dedicated volunteers by creating and protecting stone-curlew breeding sites over the past four decades, has been remarkable. Simply put, this work couldn’t have been done without them and our fellow partner organisations.
“The success of the stone-curlew projects is proof that by working together we can make space for nature if we really want to. We look forward to continued work towards establishing a sustainable population of stone-curlew.”
Image © Shutterstock
Bigger animals have increased cancer risk, study confirms
A study has challenged long-standing theories by revealing that larger animals do have an increased risk of developing cancer.
The findings challenge the idea of ‘Peto’s paradox’: a theory from 1977 that suggested that there was no correlation between animal size and cancer risk.
The new study saw researchers from three universities collaborate to examine cancer data from 263 species. This was spread across the four major animal groups: amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles.
The data had been gathered from veterinary autopsies of 31 amphibians, 79 birds, 90 mammals and 63 reptiles. Using advanced statistical methods, researchers analysed the relationship between cancer rates and body sizes, while taking into account the different species involved.
Researchers discovered that, overall, bigger animals displayed a higher prevalence of benign and malignant tumours.
This finding proved to be consistent in all species, regardless of whether they naturally stop growing (birds and mammals) or grow throughout their lives (amphibians and reptiles).
However, the researchers also identified that rapid evolution was a contributing factor to cancer defence. Animals which have rapidly evolved to a large size over short evolutionary timescales also evolved improved mechanisms to control cell growth and prevent tumours.
This means that, despite being ten times bigger, elephants have approximately the same cancer risk as a tiger.
There were some outliers to the researchers’ theory though, where a subset of species had much more or much less cancer than expected for their body size.
The common budgie, which weighs less than 30g, was found to have cancer rates which were more than 40 times higher than expected for its body size. The naked mole rat, however, had almost no recorded rate of cancer.
Advances in modern medicine means that researchers were unable to apply this theory to humans.
Overall, the research revealed a trend of larger species recording higher cancer rates. However, it also highlighted the role of evolution in developing mechanisms for cellular defence.
George Butler, lead author of the research at University College London, said: “Finding which animals are naturally better at fighting off cancer opens exciting new paths for research.
“By studying these successful species, we can better understand how cancers develop and potentially discover new ways to fight the disease. This could lead to breakthrough treatments in the future."
The full study can be found in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Second round of mental health grant opening soon
The programme aims to drive positive change in the veterinary sectors.
The second round of applications for the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) research grant programme will be opening soon.
Launched in August 2024, the programme aims to drive change that will positively impact mental health in the veterinary sector.
Two types of grants are on offer, with the first being a £5,000 Discovery Grant aimed at postgraduate or early career researchers looking to kick-start small-scale studies. The second is a £15,000 Impact Grant targeted towards more established researchers working on more substantial medium-sized projectes.
All proposals should reflect at least one of MMI’s strategic focus areas for 2025, which are:
- Veterinary professionals’ suicide prevention
- Veterinary occupational stressors (including trauma and burnout)
- Mental health in veterinary education
- Veterinary workplace leadership and mental health
- Veterinary professionals’ mental health and equity, diversity & inclusion.
Owing to only one Impact Grant being awarded in the last round, there are three research grants available to apply for: two £5,000 Discovery Grants and one £15,000 Impact Grant.
Applications for both grants are open to researchers at all stages of their career, and are due to open early spring. For more details, visit the Mind Matters website.
River biodiversity increased by reduced metal pollution
A new study has linked an increase in freshwater biodiversity in the 1990s to a reduction in zinc and copper pollution in England’s rivers.
Researchers say that this is likely due to the decline of coal burning and heavy industry during this time.
The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) uses population counts of invertebrate species to evaluate the ecological health of the river. Through this they are able to assess the river’s biodiversity, as well as considering how pollution might be impacting the river’s ecosystem.
Using Environment Agency data, UKCEH had observed a significant increase in species richness in the 1990s and in the early 2000s. However, they have reported no significant improvement since then.
The UKCEH’s latest study, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, sought to investigate the reasons behind these changes.
A team of scientists, led by UKCEH, implemented statistical modelling to investigate the chemical and physical factors that might be involved. This included data on temperature, river flow and landscape.
The data consisted of 65,000 individual observations on pollutant measurements and invertebrates from 1,457 sites between 1989 and 2018.
An analysis of the data highlighted how effluent sewage impacted concentrations of ammonia and organic matter, and how this then impacted river wildlife. However, it was the correlation between invertebrate diversity with zinc and copper which was strongest.
Researchers theorise that a reduction in coal burning in the 1980s could be linked to a reduction of metal pollution in England’s rivers. Coal burning is a major source of atmospheric metals pollution, which then ends up in rivers through acid rain.
The decline in heavy industry has also been associated with improved biodiversity in the 1990s. UKCEH says the industry was also responsible for metal pollution, as well as leaking polluted sewage through treated and untreated effluent.
The reduced production of domestic products containing zinc and copper may also have resulted in less metal pollution in the sewage.
Andrew Johnson, an environmental research scientist at UKCEH, said: “There is a widespread desire by the public to improve water quality and biodiversity in our rivers but the problem for policymakers is what steps would be most likely to achieve results.
“Our study provides strong evidence that concentrations of zinc and copper have the biggest influence on invertebrate species richness, so future attempts to increase freshwater biodiversity are unlikely to bear fruit without further reductions in these metals.”
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BSAVA Congress launching new Practice Efficiencies programme
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is to launch a new practice management programme for BSAVA Congress and Expo 2025.
Its new Practice Efficiencies programme will see speakers including Susie Samuel and Katie Ford share the skills needed for successful leadership and management in practice.
Designed for practice leaders, decision-makers and managers, the programme is set to explore the key drivers for operational success. Delegates will be given practical tools to support them with optimising technology, staffing and resources.
The programme will be delivered through a series of sessions, led by leadership experts from across the industry.
The topic of artificial intelligence will be investigated by Susie Samuel, the CEO of Digital Practice. ‘Automation in Action: The everyday AI that’s already transforming vet practices’ will look at artificial intelligence through a veterinary lens, discussing the technology that is already in place.
The concept of the ‘veterinary time machine’ will be explored by Jack Peploe. In the session, ‘The Veterinary Time Machine: How to gain 21 extra workdays a year’, the CEO of Veterinary IT Services will explain what decision-makers can do to gain 21 extra work days a year.
Katie Ford and Claire Grigson, the founders of Vet Empowered, will describe a new way of working in their session ‘Human Not Robot: Working Smarter, Not Harder’.
Meanwhile the client experience is the topic of conversation with Eric Garcia, the CEO of Tapir. In his session, ‘Streamlining the Client Experience: Practice Strategies for Improved Practice Efficiency’, Mr Garcia will offer new strategies for practice leaders.
Andy Green, chair of the Congress Programme Committee, said: “The Practice Efficiencies programme represents a new era for BSAVA Congress and Expo.
“We hope that it gives delegates the tools that they need to thrive in an increasingly complex industry, with a concrete plan tailored to their challenges in practice.”
BSAVA Congress and Expo 2025 will take place from 20-22 March at Manchester Central. Tickets can be purchased here.
Image © BSAVA
RVC analysis leads to canine research recommendations
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has released a series of recommendations which it believes will improve research into canine health and welfare.
It says that its findings will not only mean that future research has more impact, but also guide funding to the projects that matter.
The UK Canine Research Funding Analysis Project is designed to investigate the state of canine health and welfare research funding in the UK. It is separated into three different phases, revealing where funding comes from, research gaps, and the challenges in research design.
The study’s first phase found that 90 per cent of canine-specific research funding came from animal-directed funders. Although wide-scope funders provided larger grants, these were usually directed to One Health research projects.
Phase two explored research gaps in the canine sector, and found an underfunding of studies into responsible breeding, canine behavioural issues and the impact of human lifestyle. The third phase, which used insights from phases one and two, investigated the challenges posed by research design, processes and sector infrastructure.
Based on these findings, RVC has identified a number of common challenges posed to researchers in canine research and proposed possible solutions to them.
RVC says that the grant application process is often burdensome and inconsistent, with a lack of feedback to applications which are rejected. Their report recommends a standardised, two-stage process, followed by brief but structured feedback to any unsuccessful applicants.
It has also called for a centralised, publicly-available database to make it easier to track past funding and identify gaps and opportunities.
Researchers in the early stages of their career reported difficulty securing funding, with few grants providing postdoctoral salaries or career development opportunities. RVC says that dedicated funding and mentorship initiatives could support new researchers in the sector.
The research also highlighted stakeholders’ need for a structured way to set research priorities, ensuring funding addresses urgent canine welfare concerns. RVC recommends a method similar to the model used by the James Lind Alliance does for human medical research.
Finally, RVC calls for the prioritisation of projects which directly benefit canine welfare. It suggests the use of impact metrics including ‘Benefit for the Dog’ and ‘Pathway to Impact’.
Alison Skipper, researchers in canine health research at the RVC, said: “This extensive project highlights the need for significant improvements in how we fund and conduct research on canine health and welfare.
“While UK funders have made valuable contributions, our findings show that inefficiencies in funding processes, a lack of collaboration and limited support for early-career researchers are preventing research from having its full impact.
“By streamlining applications, increasing transparency and fostering strategic partnerships, we can ensure that future research is both effective and directly beneficial to dogs.”
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Norfolk equine centre closes amid strangles outbreak
An equine rescue and rehoming centre in Norfolk has closed following an outbreak of strangles among its resident horses.
Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre, located in Snetterton, has suspended all movement of horses in and out of the farm as it works to prevent the spread of the respiratory disease.
The outbreak was first reported on 5 February, after a recent arrival to the centre tested positive for the highly infectious disease. The affected horse was put into isolation from the herd until it was no longer infectious.
However, following further cases on site, the centre has now been closed to visitors as a precautionary measure.
World Horse Welfare has cancelled all of its planned equestrian events, including a pole clinic. Rehoming will also be suspended until the centre is clear from infection.
While it is not a notifiable disease, strangles is a highly infectious respiratory condition affecting the horse’s upper respiratory tract.
World Horse Welfare says that its team is experienced in managing the disease, and is taking robust action to prevent the spread and protect the wider equine population. Animals which have contracted the disease are receiving treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.
Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre says that it will not hire out the venue for any equine until it is 100 per cent confident there is no further risk.
Malcolm Morley, World Horse Welfare’s director of UK support, said: “Given the nature of the horses World Horse Welfare helps, cases like this are not unexpected, and the team have well-rehearsed biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of disease spread.
“Whilst the risk of strangles spreading off the farm by visitors is extremely low, we felt we should take this additional step and close our doors to visitors whilst we investigate.
“We would like to apologise to everyone who had planned to visit Hall Farm this half term and reassure those who have visited recently that the disease poses no risk to humans.”
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18.2m worry about litter impact on animals, survey suggests
A survey has suggested that more than 18.2 million people are worried about the impact of litter on pets and wildlife.
A YouGov survey, conducted on behalf of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, discovered that 34 per cent of adults were worried that litter in their local environment could harm wildlife. It also revealed that 16 per cent were worried about the impact on pets.
Zac Robinson and his dog Ellie were inspired to join Keep Britain Tidy’s annual Great British Spring Clean campaign after a dangerous encounter with litter.
Four years ago, while on a walk, Ellie found and picked up a full tube of superglue which had been littered. Before Zac could help her, superglue had leaked into the puppy’s mouth and begun to stick her tongue, gums and lips together.
Ellie was rushed to a veterinary practice, where an alcohol solution and deep clean was used to remove the hardened glue. She experienced further stomach issues, but has since made a full recovery.
Since the experience, Zac and Ellie have remained committed to picking up litter in their local town of Grimsby and disposing of it safely.
Zac said: “Once you start to notice litter, you see more of it everywhere. Over the next few months we noticed more and more different kinds of potential problems left on the floor.
“We also began to understand that it's not just dogs at risk on walks, it's all wildlife.”
Keep Britain Tidy says that it often hears stories about pets and wildlife being harmed by broken glass and other dangerous litter. Campaign supporter RSPCA says that it receives 10 calls a day about animals being affected by litter.
This year marks Keep Britain Tidy’s 10th Great British Spring Clean, which will take place from 21 March until 6 April. Volunteers are encouraged to pick up harmful rubbish from the streets to protect animals.
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive, said: “We know there’s a problem - but we also know that people-power is part of the solution. Each year the Great British Spring Clean’s fantastic, animal loving #LitterHeroes aim to change this by taking positive action to tackle litter and show they love where they live.
“This growing culture of small individual actions has added up to an enormous impact with more than four million bags pledged by our army of volunteers during the campaign since it was launched in 2016. Thank you to everyone who has been involved.”
Image © Keep Britain Tidy
Scottish SPCA reports surge in calls to give up pets
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) has revealed a ‘worrying’ rise in calls from pet owners who are looking to give up their pets.
The charity reports a 24 per cent increase in calls from pet owners that were looking to give up their pets in 2024.
A total of 4,779 people have called the charity in the past year to get advice on the topic. This is an average of approximately 92 people each week.
Scottish SPCA says that an increase in calls is often the result of a challenging economic environment. It says that financial issues, such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, can leave owners worrying about affording pet food and care.
As a response, Scottish SPCA has committed to expanding its charitable work across Scotland so that those struggling have the support they need.
The charity says that, in 2024 alone, its community work has helped 16,478 owners to stay with their pets through times of financial hardship. This has included advice from inspectors, as well as essential pet care items provided by Scottish SPCA’s Pet Aid food services through Scotland’s food banks.
In the past six months Scottish SPCA has also launched Pet Aid’s sister service, Pet Aid Veterinary.
The project is being piloted in the Glasgow area to offer community veterinary support and reduce the need for animals to be brought to Scottish SPCA. Community veterinary nurses visit pets at their homes, where they carry out basic, essential healthcare assessments. Any animals in need of more complex treatment are brought to the charity’s Glasgow centre.
Since its launch, Pet Aid Veterinary has already provided treatment to 489 animals.
Scottish SPCA says that the rise in phone calls about giving up pets highlights the importance of its services. It says that early support is key to prevent situations from spiralling.
Kirsteen Campbell, Scottish SPCA chief executive, said: “It’s never been more clear that across Scotland there’s a desperate need to tackle the root causes of animal welfare issues and get help into communities before issues start to spiral.
“Our inspectors and animal rescue officers do an incredible job on the frontline but too often they are seeing complex and sad situations where earlier help could have prevented an animal needing to come into our care.
“That’s why in 2025 we’re boosting our efforts to help people in communities across Scotland, changing the way we work and making sure our services are being directed to where they’re most needed so that we can help as many animals and people as possible to stay together.”
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Avian influenza reported in Norfolk grey seals
Defra and the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) have revealed that two grey seals on the North Norfolk coast have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N5.
These are the first cases of non-avian wildlife contracting avian influenza that have been reported in England, Scotland and Wales since 2023.
In a statement released on 18 February, the UK government revealed that influenza of avian origin had been detected in a ‘small number’ of grey seals on the North Norfolk coast. Avian influenza had also been reported in a number of wild birds in the area.
Findings revealed that carcasses had been collected from Norfolk, with two grey seals confirmed to be positive for HPAI H5N5.
Defra and APHA state that this is not above the usual annual mortality rate for the site. They say that this is testament to the effectiveness of wildlife surveillance systems in place in the UK.
There is no evidence that there is an increased risk of avian influenza to non-avian species.
Current research finds that mammals will contract avian influenza if they have close contact with wild birds or contaminated environments. This includes consuming infected animals or coming into contact with their feathers, faeces and other contaminated objects.
The last time avian influenza was reported by Defra and APHA in non-avian wildlife was in 2023, when the H5N1 strain was identified in dolphins, otters, red foxes and a porpoise.
HPAI H5N1 is continuing to be reported in a number of sites across the UK. Across 18 and 19 February, three cases were identified in Market Weighton in Yorkshire and one case was identified in Teignmouth in Devon.
A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been implemented at the Teignmouth site and two of the Market Weighton sites. All poultry on the premises was humanely culled.
The other Market Weighton site is surrounded by a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone, with all affected birds humanely culled.
Elsewhere, following successful completion of disease control activities, a 10km surveillance zone at Rye in East Sussex has been revoked and a 3km protection zone near Easingwold in North Yorkshire has been replaced with a 3km surveillance zone.
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RVC textbook reveals key concepts of One Health approach
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has published a new textbook, designed to improve understanding of and access to One Health across various fields.
The textbook, Principles of One Health for a better planet, is intended to provide an essential, entry-level resource for veterinary professionals to learn about key elements of One Health.
One Health is a concept which explores the links between human, animal, plant and ecological health. It has become a focus in many health fields, considering implications to climate change, inequality and food security.
It calls on experts from each of the fields to share their research and to collaborate to create integrated approaches and sustainable solutions.
RVC’s textbook explores the nine core competencies needed to incorporate a One Health approach. It aims to support learners with understanding the skills, attitudes and knowledge behind the concept.
Readers will be taught to consider the ‘whole system’ needed to develop holistic solutions, with learning supported through key concepts, terms, activities and applied examples.
The textbook has been edited by Barbara Häsler, a researcher and professor in agrihealth from RVC. Prof Häsler has collated contributions from more than 60 One Health experts from around the world to create the guide.
Prof Häsler said: “The idea for this book was born a few years ago when several colleagues expressed a need to have an entry-level textbook in support of their One Health teaching and learning.
“Thanks to the collective effort, experience and expertise of this large and dedicated international group of authors, we have created a book that we hope will make it easy for people to engage with One Health and use the approach innovatively and enthusiastically for better health and sustainability.”
RVC says that the release of its new textbook is a part of its commitment to One Health education and research. It conducts research projects in pursuit of One Health goals, exploring areas such as antimicrobial resistance, food systems and disease control.
It also offers a postgraduate course with an interdisciplinary curriculum and real world applications.
The textbook, Principles of One Health for a better planet, has been published by CABI and can be purchased here.
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Horse sport welfare goes under the spotlight
Equine sport leaders from across the globe attend virtual conference.
Some 200 horse sport leaders from around the world gathered on Thursday (13 Feb) to explore the reasons why well-intentioned individuals engage in poor welfare practices in horse sports.
In the virtual conference hosted by World Horse Welfare, four expert speakers explored the underlying dynamics within horse sport that can drive good people towards poor welfare practices, and offered solutions on how to change this.
The theme of the charity’s second annual conference was ‘Accountability for welfare in equestrianism: Looking beyond the obvious.’
Opening the conference, World Horse Welfare Chief Executive Roly Owers said: “It is easy to point the finger at one or two bad individuals – bad apples, we would like to think - in a world where most people love their horses and want to do the right thing.
“But it isn’t always as easy as deciding who are the bad people and who are the good people. These people have grown-up in a system. They have almost certainly normalised traditions, practices and attitudes that prevail in that system. So, are they solely to blame for their actions? Perhaps, when things go wrong for horses this is a symptom of a deeper issue.
“And as any good vet will tell you, if you are to be able to cure the symptoms you must find the cause."
The event looked at headlines of poor practice by individuals in horse sport, highlighting it as a symptom of systemic pressures that can lead some people to compromise the wellbeing of their equines.
Among the expert speakers included Sarah Powell, chief executive of British Gymnastics, whose insights into transforming an entire sport to prioritise the welfare of its athletes were particularly relevant to the challenges faced by equestrianism.
Attendees also heard from Mette Uldahl, national head veterinarian for the FEI in Denmark and expert on animal welfare and ethics; Tim Downes, chairman of the BHS Fellows Association and co-owner of Ingestre Stables and Meta Osborne, equine veterinarian, former board member of Horse Racing Ireland, Thoroughbred breeder and podcast host.
The speakers emphasised the need for better regulation and governance, and why everyone involved in horse sport must take responsibility for poor welfare practices.
Image (C) Shutterstock.
Dogs Trust hails Wales's commitment to ban greyhound racing
The move was announced in the Senedd on Tuesday.
Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has hailed a commitment by the Welsh Government to ban greyhound racing in Wales as “a huge step forward in animal welfare”.
During a statement in the Senedd on Tuesday (18 Feb), deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced that he would like to introduce a ban on greyhound racing in Wales “as soon as practicably possible”.
He said: “Our consultation on a national model for animal welfare, which included questions relating to greyhounds, received over 1100 responses. In that consultation, the question asking for evidence and views on a phased ban found almost two thirds of respondents were in favour of such a ban.
“A petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales received over 35,000 signatures. This sits alongside campaign work by the Cut the Chase coalition, which includes Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue, and the RSPCA.
“We also note what is happening in other countries across the world who are taking steps to ban this activity. As a result, I believe that now is the right time to move to ban greyhound racing in Wales.”
While a timeline for the ban has not yet been announced, the Welsh Government has pledged to set up an Implementation Group that will engage with stakeholders, learn from the approaches of other countries and advise the Government on how and when a ban will come into force.
Owen Sharp, chef executive of Dogs Trust, said: “Today’s announcement that the Welsh Government is committed to ending greyhound racing marks a significant step forward for animal welfare. Over the past six years, more than 2,700 dogs have lost their lives in the UK in the name of entertainment, with many more suffering serious or life-changing injuries. This is unacceptable, and we are pleased the Senedd is ready and willing to take decisive action to prevent further deaths and injuries.
“The UK joins just four other countries worldwide where this cruel so-called sport still persists. With Wales now committed to ending greyhound racing, it’s time England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland followed suit and put a stop to this inhumane form of entertainment once and for all.”
Image (C) Dogs Trust.