We’re pretty proud of the lecture programme for Spring Conference at La Mon Hotel, 1st & 2nd of April but mostly we are just looking forward to some great face-to-face CPD again! A chance to chat, catch up, swap news and stories, see colleagues from trade and other practices . . . a chance to dress up 70s style and PARTY!!! We can’t wait . . .
What are the implications of new technologies for both animal health and welfare and veterinary regulation?
What are your views on the provision of 24/7 emergency cover?
How should we interpret an animal being under the care of a veterinary surgeon?
Where does remote consulting (vet-to-client telemedicine) fit into current practice and what are its limitations?
The RCVS launched an online qualitative survey to gain the views and feedback of UK-based veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses on 19 May 2021 so its YOUR turn to have your say!
An email containing a personalised link to the survey has been sent to rgeistered vets and vet nurses. If you can’t see yours, you can apply to complete the survey by sending an e-mail to RCVSsurvey@accent-mr.com.
The survey closes at 5pm on Wednesday, 16 June 2021. It should take 15-20 minutes to complete, but can be returned to and completed in stages if preferred.
DAERA is currently running a UK-wide campaign to raise awareness of the risks of African Swine Fever (ASF) to pigs. Its important that they reach all pig keepers with their messages. Commercial pig keepers are aware of the risks of ASF but the level of awareness amongst small holders/pet pig keepers may not be so high.
DAERA is gather more information which will better inform them on how to support these sectors. They have created a survey which specifically targets small scale pig keepers. Please share this with your full veterinary team and ask them to share the survey with small scale pig holders/pet pig owners.
The survey can be found here and more information is available on the Defra website at the following link Small scale pig keepers ASF survey
DAERA is grateful for your ongoing support with proactive messaging regarding vigilance, early reporting of suspected disease and importance of maintaining biosecurity. Anything we can do to improve our communications will help in keeping this devastating disease out of NI.
It may not surprise you but it is nevertheless with sadness that the AVSPNI Council have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Autumn Conference. This was scheduled to take place at the beginning of October at the Roe Park Resort, Limavady. Plans for a humdinger of a conference in both Spring and Autumn 2021 are already well underway and AVSPNI is also pulling together a programme of 12+ excellent webinars to see members through to the end of the year. These will all be free of charge for AVSPNI members.
We still hope that the Joint Autumn meeting held with NIVA can be delivered as a face to face event but of course, we have a Plan B up our sleeve for that too.
Amongst all the other adjustments that you have had to make this year, CPD may have slipped down your priority list! If you want to top up your CPD record before Christmas, keep an eye on the VetNI Events page for details of forthcoming webinars which will be added in the next couple of weeks.
Red Tractor is preparing to roll-out live streamed farm audits to enable new applicants to be assessed and current members to retain their status throughout the coronavirus pandemic. For full info from Red Tractor please open the link below:
Click her for information on Red Tractor Remote Assessments
For more information on Red Tractor’s advice for members during the Covid-19 pandemic, please go to https://assurance.redtractor.org.uk/covid-19-hub
A case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a non-thoroughbred stallion has been confirmed on a premises in Fife, Scotland, Friday 3 April 2020. The affected horse was imported in November 2019 from Europe and has had no clinical signs of infection.
The diagnosis was made during routine pre-breeding testing, as per the International HBLB Codes of Practice, with positive PCR results. The affected stallion has been isolated and is undergoing treatment. Freedom from disease will be confirmed in line with the International HBLB Codes of Practice requirements and breeding will not commence on this premises until freedom from infection is confirmed.
International trade does not require country freedom, only individual or premises freedom. There are no other stallions on the premises. There is one mare at a separate premises with epidemiological links to the positive case, and this mare has been isolated and is also undergoing treatment.
The outbreak will be subject to further investigations, including tracings to determine if there are any epidemiological links to Northern Ireland. Further information on CEM is available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/contagious-equine-metritis
Cafre have launched a new scheme called European Innovation Partnerships designed to help farmers work collaboratively with experts to address the practical issues or opportunities they are facing on their farms.
This scheme is offering 100% funding in two stages (£5,000 and up to £120,000). Projects will not commence until the Autumn, provided the current Covid-19 situation has passed.
For further information, please visit the CAFRE website: CAFRE Invites Applications for New European Innovation Partnership Scheme, which includes links to further information on the scheme and how to apply.
NB. Closing Date for Stage 1 applications will close at 4pm on Monday 27 April
VetNI is proud to be associated with NI vets – we see how hard you are all working to respond to a rapidly changing situation and use your training to providing veterinary services at the highest standards possible and in complete compliance with government and RCVS guidance. Information is coming through and changing at an astonishing rate.
USEFUL LINKS – We have collated a list of links which may be of use to you:
BVA guide to assessing emergency and urgent work
BVA Guidance for the vet profession
SPVS Reduced working and closures guidance
Our thanks to all these bodies for access to this material.
LOAN OF VET EQUIPMENT – Many of you have already volunteered spare medical grade which can be called into service by our Health Trusts in the most extreme circumstances. THANK YOU!
If you have any of the following to offer, please do so via the submission form that can be found HERE Please also drop David.Torrens@daera-ni.gov.uk a line, sending him a screen shot of your completed submission or just letting him know what additional equipment you have offered and where you are based.
Equipment wanted on loan:
Equipment that you would be prepared to donate:
URGENT APPEAL FOR RETURN OF OXYGEN CYLINDERS – BOC medical oxygen cylinders are needed during the Covid-19 pandemic in order to utilise these in hospitals. If you have empty cylinders in your practice, please return them a.s.a.p. to BOC following the protocol outlined below:
GUIDANCE FOR FARMERS– NIVA and AVSPNI have issued guidance to farmers via farming bodies which can be accessed HERE.
Cathal Carr has been in Veterinary practice in Coleraine since 1996. Originally from Dublin, he graduated with a Physiology degree from Trinity College Dublin before going on to The Royal ‘Dick’ Veterinary College in Edinburgh. After a short time in mixed practice in Dromore Co. Down Cathal moved to mixed practice in Coleraine. After seven years, Cathal and his wife Anne Marie and took the opportunity to purchase a small animal practice. They now concentrate mainly on Small Animal and Equine first opinion practice while still doing some TB testing. Cathal has an interest in all types of veterinary and has been particularly involved in veterinary business having been on the board of SPVS (Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons) from 2014 to 2020.
When Cathal gets away from running a busy practice he is involved in his local rugby club and enjoys playing golf badly.
Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) is the networking and forum body for organisations interested in the natural and built environment of Northern Ireland. NIEL have secured funding to run a survey to explore farmers’ opinions on current and future agriculture policy. They want to hear from a wide range of farmers in order to assess views on the current state of farming, problems faced and farmers’ opinions on possible future changes to agricultural policy in Northern Ireland. This survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete so please encourage your farming clients to take part
The survey can be found HERE.