Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 7th February 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

National Cat Awards to include Vet of the Year category
Last year's winner Zebby with his owner Genevieve Moss.
Nominations open on 13 February.

This year’s National Cat Awards, organised by Cats Protection, will include a Vet of the Year category for the first time.

When nominations open on Tuesday, 13 February, cat owners and colleagues will have the chance to nominate veterinary surgeons who have provided outstanding cat care.

There are also four categories for owners to nominate their cat:
  • Family cats – For cats who provide companionship, amusement, or comfort and support when times are tough
  • Incredible cats – Recognising cats who have done something heroic or extraordinary, such as surviving against the odds or saving a life
  • Senior cats: Celebrating cats older than 11 years
  • Connected cats: For cats that make people smile, whether on social media or in the local community.
The winners will be announced during a ceremony in London on 18 September. The Cat of the Year 2024 will be selected from the four feline category winners.

Last year, Zebby, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, won the overall award in recognition of the support he provides his deaf owner.
 
Catherine Cottrell, Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards organiser, said: “We’ve launched this new award to recognise the amazing contribution of vets across the country who make a difference to the quality of cats’ lives.

"Whether they’ve embarked on studies or research to improve understanding of feline medicine, gone out of their way to help a cat in need, or shown outstanding care in complex or difficult situations, we want to celebrate their dedication and skill.”

Nominations will close at noon on Tuesday, 26 March.

Image © Cats Protection

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.