BVA Fears that a Drop in EU Vet Registrations Could Worsen Shortages 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has expressed fears surrounding the drop in EU-based vet registrations being filed. 

Since leaving the EU, a two-third drop in vets from the continent, and a 1,255% increase in demand for animal health certificates has exacerbated severe shortages across the UK. 

James Russell, BVA senior vice-president, said: 

‘The nosedive in EU registrants since Brexit, coupled with soaring demand for veterinary certification, is creating a storm of shortages in the profession.’

‘It’s absolutely critical that vets get as much support as possible to keep on top of workloads and navigate continued challenges ahead.’

‘We know that the Government is alive to the situation, and measures such as more vet school places and better digitization of the certification process will help to relieve some pressures in the long term. Vets are working incredibly hard, but it’s an uphill struggle to comfortably cover all the work currently required.’

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Students Express Gratitude Over Loan Pause

The pause on federal loans has given vets some much-needed respite, says the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Loans have been paused since March 2020.

Dr. Stephanie Willney is one such vet who is grateful for the break. For the first time ever, she has made progress in paying back her debt:

‘It made me feel like the payments that I was making towards my student loans were actually making an impact,’ Dr. Willney said. 

‘We get interest on interest, and it feels like it just digs us deeper and deeper into debt.’

Despite these relaxations, debt remains a key issue for the AVMA. With payments set to resume in May 2022, many professionals will soon return to regular payments. 

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Vets in Western Australia Help Save Animals Injured During Bush Fire 

Vets in Western Australia have rallied together to help farmers devastated by the Wheatbelt Bushfires. Around 20,000 sheep were in the Corrigin and Bruce Rock shires at the time of the fires, which destroyed more than 40,000 hectares of land. 

Veterinarians from across the area have been rushing to help wounded sheep. As of last Tuesday, the group had assessed more than 3000 animals. 

‘At the first farm we visited, more than 100-head of livestock had to be euthanized,’ said Dr. Holly Ludeman, from Emanuel Exports. ‘It was a confronting sight arriving at the affected properties.’

‘But it was good to be able to help and that’s why I was there- emotions were high, so it was my job to get in, be objective and help make decisions on what needed euthanizing versus what could be treated, what was potential salvage slaughter or non-affected that could be moved onto agistment’.

‘It has been rewarding to be involved in the community spirit of everyone chipping in.’

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Utah State Aims to Open New Vet School

Utah State University has announced plans to create a four-year veterinary course that would train 40 students in the fall of 2024. The university plans to parlay with Washington State University. They are currently looking for approval for an $80 million one-time investment from the state for construction, curriculum development, and staffing fees. 

‘By the end of this legislative session, we are anticipating knowing whether the funding is approved,’ said Dr. Dirk Vanderwall, associate dean of USU veterinary school.

‘If we don’t get it, we would still continue planning, but we are dependent on having the full funding approved and available to fully move forward with this proposal.’

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Funding Could Improve Animal Welfare in England

Plans announced by DEFRA Secretary of State, George Eustice earlier this week to roll out a publicly funded annual veterinary visit scheme could significantly improve the welfare of farm animals in England. 

The BVA has been working with the government organization to design the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, a program that will support livestock farmers across the region. 

In response to the launch, BVA vice president James Rusell said:

‘The Animal Health and Welfare Pathway provides a real opportunity to improve herd and flock health and welfare across England.’

‘Good relationships between farmers and vets have always been at the heart of improving livestock health and welfare and, as the Pathway rolls out later this year, we’re keen to work with our farm clients to really focus on the disease and welfare priorities for their animals.’

‘It’s also an opportunity to reach those farms that don’t currently engage a vet for proactive herd health planning. That’s a real win for the opportunities to improve animal health and welfare, both for the individual farms and more broadly as we drive down disease pressures across regions and work towards supporting sustainable animal agriculture.’

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Why Being on Your Toes All Day Could be Good For Your Health 

Working in a veterinary clinic can be tiring for even the most active of professionals. But could it actually be benefiting you? Being active throughout the day improves mental clarity, productivity and reduces the instances of weight-related problems. 

If you want to be more active during the workday, try switching up your commute by cycling or walking instead. Alternatively, you could try leaving the clinic and walking during lunch, or perhaps having one-on-ones on foot. Even small things, like tracking your steps or taking the stairs can be good for your health and wellbeing. 

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