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TB testing contracts extension welcomed by BVA
Following a constructive dialogue, XL Farmcare and Cornwall have announced an extension to the contract signatures from 14 to 21 days.
Increased from 14 to 21 days 

A decision to extend the deadline for TB testing contracts in Devon and Cornwall has been welcomed by the BVA.

BVA members raised concerns last week that the 14-day deadline for signing the new TB testing contracts did not give veterinary business enough time to consider the contract changes.

Working with the BCVA, the BVA raised these concerns with XL Farmcare Devon and Cornwall and other key stakeholders, including the APHA.

Following a constructive dialogue, XL Farmcare and Cornwall have announced an extension to the contract signatures from 14 to 21 days.

Sean Wensley, president of the BVA, said: “We are pleased that XL Farmcare Devon and Cornwall has listened to the concerns that have been raised and has responded positively. We hope this deadline extension will give veterinary practices the time they need to consider the financial and practical implications of the new contracts for their businesses.

“Now that the new system of Delivery Partners is in place it is essential that everyone works together to ensure the effective delivery of TB testing and to maintain the vital relationship between farmers and their local vets.  BVA will continue to support and represent the interests of all our members, and we recognise that making the new arrangements work poses challenges for all parties involved. 

“We have also raised our members’ concerns with APHA, and we are in the process of contacting the other Delivery Partners in England to discuss how we can work together to smooth the roll-out of new contracts across the country.”

Contracts in the South East were issued on Friday and BVA expects new contracts to be issued imminently.

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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with 15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.