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Rabbit-friendly vet awards return for 2022
Dr Sophie Jenkins (pictured), winner of the 2020 Rabbit Vet of the Year award, has joined the judging panel for 2022.
The Burgess Excel Vet Awards will run for a third year.

Rabbit-friendly veterinary professionals and practices will be celebrated at the 2022 Burgess Excel Vet Awards, which has just been confirmed to return for its third year running.

In collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF), the awards are open to UK-based practising veterinary surgeons and nurses who have unquestionably demonstrated exceeding levels of care and advice to rabbits, guinea pigs and owners.

Director at RWAF, Rae Walters, expressed RWAF's excitement for the award's return: We’re absolutely delighted to continue to support these important awards, which champion vet practices and individuals who work tirelessly to provide the highest standards of care for rabbits and guinea pigs.”

Eight award categories will be available for submission. These are:

    •   Rabbit Vet of the Year
    •   Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
    •   Rabbit Support Staff of the Year
    •   Rabbit Practice of the Year
    •   Rabbit Student of the Year
    •   Rabbit Friendly Charity Practice of the Year
    •   Guinea Pig Friendly Practice of the Year
    •   Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year.

Nominations will open on 8 August 2022, and will be free to submit. After consideration from a judging panel of notable industry figures, veterinary professionals and rabbit specialists, the results will be announced at the London Vet Show 2022. 

Dr Suzanne Moyes, spokesperson for the Rabbit Action Awareness Group (RAAG) and Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), veterinary director at Burgess and member of the judging panel, said: “As a key source of trusted information for many rabbit and guinea pig owners, veterinary practices continue to play a vital role in engaging with - and helping - them understand the complex and high levels of care and attention that these amazing animals need. 

“It has been wonderful to read the previous awards entries over the past two years and really encouraging that so many veterinary professionals are going above and beyond for these fantastic creatures. 

“We are looking forward to receiving this year’s entries, although we know we will face a difficult job in choosing the worthy winners!”

Those interested in submitting a nomination can do so on the awards website, or by completing a nomination form and returning it via post. Further information on the award categories and eligibility criteria can be found here. 

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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.