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BVNA Congress 2013 kicks off
James Yeates, RSPCA chief veterinary officer
Keynote speech on the value of nurses opens 40th congress

The 40th BVNA Congress kicked off this morning in Telford with a keynote speech on the value of veterinary nurses, given by the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer (CVO), James Yeates.

Speaking at this year's venue, the International Centre, Dr Yeates hailed veterinary nurses as being a key part of the "wider movement to improve animal welfare", focusing particularly on empathy and the power of nurses within veterinary practice.

Acting as the "empathetic eyes" within the practice, Dr Yeates said that nurses are well placed to offer "bespoke care for the individual animal", recognising not only the health impacts that treatment may be having on a patient, but additional factors such as stress.

It is this ability, he continued, which allows nurses to build up a rapport with clients, offering personal advice with an understanding of the owner's perspective.

In his experience as CVO at the RSPCA, Dr Yeates says clients are often more willing to disclose information to a veterinary nurse in cases of domestic abuse, where either the client, their pet or child is a victim of violence.

Following Dr Yeates' keynote speech, BVNA president Louisa Baker presented him with a donation for the RSPCA, and the awards ceremony began. Veterinary nurses were honoured with seven different awards for outstanding contributions to the profession.

Sarah Reed was welcomed to the stage as Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the Year, having been nominated by two clients for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Receiving the Merial Literary Award was Caroline Calder and three honorary memberships were given out to Sue Badger, Julian Hoad and Ann McBride.

Welcoming former BVNA president Sue Badger to the stage, junior vice-president of the BVNA, Kirstie Shield, called it "an honour to be part of a profession that continues to be positively influenced by her."

This year's lecture and workshop programme covers a variety of fascinating topics, with some already fully booked. The exhibition hall opened officially this afternoon to crowds of veterinary nurses heading to see the range of leading providers to the veterinary industry.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.