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BSAVA Congress News Archive
BVD testing deadline
14th January 2013
Under the mandatory scheme, livestock keepers in Scotland are required to to test breeding herds for bovine viral diarrhoea by February 1 2013. The Scottish Government is reminding livestock keepers that the deadline for testing is near, and that herds can be tested using a range of methods, such as blood samples, ear tissue tags or milk samples.

It is mandatory to screen for BVD by 1st February, and annually thereafter. The Scottish Government has agreed to a four-stage industry-led scheme aimed at eradicating BVD from Scotland. Click here for more information on the scheme.
Cattery blaze blog
7th January 2013
Firefighters were called to Pinetrees Cattery in Huntington, Staffordshire, last week after reports the building was ablaze. Up to 15 of the 20 cats boarding at the cattery are feared to be dead, two cats were taken to be checked over by a vet following smoke inhalation and it is believed two or three cats may have fled into a nearby woods. An electrical fault in one of the pens is believed to have been the cause.
Last chance to book for VPMA/SPVS Congress
3rd January 2013
The annual Veterinary Business and Management congress is taking place later this month. Around 260 vets and senior practice staff have already registered their place, and tickets are almost sold out - so be sure to book now. The joint VPMA/SPVS event is taking place at the Heythrop Park Resort, near Oxford, between January 24 and 26, 2013. Click here for more information and to book your place.
Criminal investigations prevent Ramsgate report
31st December 2012
A potential criminal investigation is preventing the report into the Ramsgate sheep deaths being published, says Farming Minister David Heath. Kent's trading standards department is pursuing an investigation into the incident, in which 47 sheep died at the port, and has specifically requested the report be withheld. The minister told MPs at a debate on live exports in the House of Commons that he had agreed reluctantly.
Scotland's oldest dog finds new home
20th December 2012
A 20 year old border collie-retriever cross, thought to be Scotland's oldest dog, has found a foster home in Aberdeenshire after the death of her owner. Thanks to B.A.R.R.K, and funds from a 6,000 grant from the Kennel Club's Charitable Trust, she is happy and settled in.
RCVS concept note blog
18th December 2012
The RCVS wants to hear your views on a Concept Note that outlines the development of the Practice Standards Scheme. The proposal is to move to a more modular approach, with greater flexibility and an increased focus on behaviours. Comments should be sent to Practice Standards Scheme Manager Eleanor Ferguson, via email by January 2, 2013.
College of Animal Welfare rated good
14th December 2012
The College of Animal Welfare has been rated "good" across the board by Ofsted. The inspection report identified how practice visits improves progress and commended learners' development and functional skills. Furthermore, praise was given for its high success rates of learners on VN apprenticeships and its well-qualified, experienced and knowledgeable staff.
Pets help to reach goals and reduce stress
10th December 2012
Research published in the Journal of Research in Personality has revealed that having pets in the home helps to reduce stress and increase the likelihood of reaching goals more successfully. A set of experiments were conducted to test this hypothesis, including taking the subjects blood pressure when their pets were both in and out of the room. The research aimed to underline that pets are good for the mind and body.
Special visitor for Battersea's animals, staff and volunteers
6th December 2012
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Battersea Dogs and Cats Home on Wednesday, December 12, to tour the charity's kennels and meet staff and volunteers. She will be accompanied by Beth and Bluebell, two Jack Russell terriers that she rehomed from Battersea. The home will celebrate the visit with an eye-catching guard of honour by a selection of Battersea dogs.
Pandaversary Edinburgh zoo
4th December 2012
Two giant pandas are celebrating their 'pandaversary' having lived at Edinburgh Zoo for one year on December 4. This is the first of 10 years that Tian Tian and Yang Guang are to spend at the zoo, under the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) conservation efforts. Ian Valentine, the zoo's director of research and conservation, said: "The core focus of RZSS as a charity is conservation, research and education. Over the period of the last 12 months we have achieved a great deal in these crucial areas, of which we are extremely proud."
Seed toxin creates pathology recognised in atypical myopathy
30th November 2012
Atypical myopathy (AM) has been linked to a toxin in box elder seeds. The discovery came after a connection was made between the seeds and seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM) - a highly fatal muscle disease long recognised in the US, which is very similar to AM. The seeds are abundant on autumn pastures, and creates the pathology recognised in both SPM and AM. Further research is required, however, the BEVA say this is a major step towards finding the cause of AM.
Harper Adams blog
29th November 2012
Harper Adams University College has announced that it is to become a full university, after the minister for universities and science, David Willetts, agreed it meets the criteria for such status. Formal confirmation is yet to be given by the Privy Council, however, Harper Adams Pricipal David Llewellyn said: "The checks have now been completed and it is clear that we have met all of the criteria for the award of university title and for the change of our name to Harper Adams University."