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Nutrition course joins Vet Nurse Merit Awards
Georgina Woods RVN will lead the new VNMA Nutrition course.
Course will discuss the role of nutrition in life stage and clinic disease management.

A new nutrition course combining online lectures, practical teaching and variety of resources and quizzes has been added to the BSAVA's popular Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards (VNMA).

VNMA's are designed to offer RVNs in primary care practice the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills without the commitment of a certificate or diploma. To achieve an award, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject through a final assessment.

Beginning in March 2021, the Nutrition VNMA will be led by Georgina Woods RVN who holds the Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition Certificate and the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) Nutrition Certificate. Following the completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • discuss methods of obtaining a thorough nutritional history, extracting all relevant clinical information and how to holistically appraise the situation
  • recognise the different techniques for building good communication with the pet owner and its importance for attaining compliance with your nutritional recommendation
  • discuss the role of nutrition in both life stage and clinic disease management, where nutrition will play a pivotal role
  • gain a more in-depth understanding for non-standard diets and how to manage differences of opinion
  • describe the many ways in which rabbit nutrition differs from that of the cat or dog, and how their anatomy relates to their different essential nutritional requirements.

BSAVA's head of education, Lucie Goodwin, said: “We are pleased to be able to add this important and highly topical course to our expanding repertoire of learning resources for RVNs. Practices really recognise the value of VNMAs and are continuing to send their nursing teams on multiple courses.”

Upon completion of the course, RVNs will receive a BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award in Nutrition along with a certificate and badge. For further information visit the BSAVA's website or email courses@bsava.com

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.