News in Brief
Sheep Veterinary Society welcomes new president
27th September 2023
Joseph Henry has become the new president of the Sheep Veterinary Society, starting his new role during the organisation's Autumn Conference, which was held in Glasgow from 25-27 September.
Dr Henry is a graduate of Glasgow Veterinary School and and works for an independent farm practice in Northumberland. He also runs a farm with 140 ewes and 45 cows.
He takes over from Dave Wilson, who becomes senior vice-president. Kim Hamer is the new junior vice-president and Rebecca Mearns, who had been serving as senior vice-president, has retired from the committee.
The Sheep Veterinary Society was founded in 1967 and aims to promote the welfare of sheep and the prevention of disease. Membership is open to veterinary surgeons and scientists working in the sheep sector.
Petplan Veterinary Awards open for nominations
19th September 2023
Nominations have opened for the 2024 Petplan Veterinary Awards, which celebrate the exceptional work of veterinary professionals. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the awards.
Anyone can make a nomination, from pet owners to veterinary staff, in the five categories:
- Practice of the Year
- Practice Manager of the Year
- Practice Support Staff of the Year
- Vet of the Year
- Vet Nurse of the Year
A shortlist of three finalists will selected for each category, with the finalists invited to the awards ceremony, which will be held in Manchester on 21 March 2024.
Bella von Mesterhazy, sales and marketing director at Petplan, said: "Twenty-five years is a huge milestone for the Petplan Veterinary Awards, and we're all excited for a fantastic celebration."
Nominations, which can be made online, close on 8 January 2024.
The Kennel Club to host free brachycephalic dog webinar
12th September 2023
The Kennel Club has announced that it will be hosting a free webinar about brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) for owners, breeders and veterinary professionals.
The webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of the impact that the progressive breathing disorder can have on a flat-faced dog's ability to exercise, play, eat and sleep and will explore possible treatment options and methods of risk reduction.
It will also provide details of The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme.
Brachycephalic health expert and chief assessor of the RFG scheme Dr Jane Ladlow will give a presentation, followed by a question and answer session.
It forms part of the groups commitment to improving brachycephalic health, as one of a series organised by The Kennel Club's health team.
It will take place via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, 20 September from 7.00pm- 8.30pm. Those interested in attending can register here. Questions can also be submitted when registering.
RCVS Academy launches wildlife and strays courses
7th September 2023
The RCVS Academy has launched two new online courses on handling cases involving wildlife and stray animals.
The courses aim to help veterinary professionals understand how to apply the RCVS supporting guidance and ensure the best possible outcomes for wildlife and stray patients.
Developed with the RCVS Standards and Advice team, they take a scenario-based approach, using practical examples based on real-life situations.
Prabhjit Soomal, standards and advice officer at the RCVS, said: "We receive several calls from veterinary professionals who are unsure how to best handle wildlife and stray patients; quite often they are not clear about the type of treatment they are obliged to provide and who is responsible for these patients.
"We hope that these two courses will help our veterinary teams make sense of the supporting guidance and be clear about their responsibilities with regard to wildlife and strays."
BVA reveals judges for workplace wellbeing awards
29th August 2023
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has revealed the judging panel for its new BVA Wellbeing Awards, which will recognise the work done by veterinary workplaces to support and improve the wellbeing of their team.
The judges are:
- Anna Judson - BVA junior vice-president
- Dan Makin - former BVLGBT+ president
- Ami Sawran - SPVS board member
- Julie Gibson - BVA Policy Committee member
- Calum McIntyre - former president of the Association of Veterinary Students
- Paul Freeman - Vetlife board member
- John Helps - veterinary manager at MSD Animal Health
On behalf of the judges, Dr Judson said: "All of the judging panel have a particular interest in wellbeing. Being vets themselves, they understand the importance of a good workplace, so are delighted to be part of the judging panel.
"Please do nominate workplaces that are going the extra mile for their teams and are committed to being Good Veterinary Workplaces."
Nominations can be made on the BVA website.
NSA to celebrate 'Sheep Health Week'
8th August 2023
The National Sheep Association (NSA) is planning to celebrate the work done to keep flocks healthy with a dedicated 'Sheep Health Week' in October.
The week will kick off with the Sheep Health, Wealth and Production online conference, which starts on Monday, 23 October.
The inaugural NSA Sheep Farmers' Conference will take place on the Wednesday. The event will have a focus on sheep health and include seminars and interactive workshops.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: "Given how vital healthy sheep are to productive farming businesses with an eye on sustainability, lower emissions and a wide range of other public goods, the conference will deliver timely and practical advice to all who attend."