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RCVS launches new programme of ‘campfire chats’ on issues affecting vets
The first session exploring online veterinary communities and ways to tackle isolation will take place on Wednesday 26 February.

Informal conversations encourage vets to share advice and experiences.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is launching a series of 'campfire chats', focussing on some of the key issues affecting veterinary surgeons, nurses and other team members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free programme begins on Wednesday 26 February from 7.00pm – 8.00pm. This first session will explore online veterinary communities and how to combat isolation, hosted by Simply Locums founder Ben Sweeney, VN Council member and blogger Jane Davidson, and founder of the Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify Facebook community Ebony Escalona.

RCVS director of advancement of the professions Angharad Belcher said: “No one in the professions need to be told that the last year or so has been extraordinarily tough, but what has got many of us through is a sense of shared experience and solidarity whether that’s with family, friends, colleagues or the wider community.

“These campfire chats aim to draw on the importance of connectedness by bringing together members of the veterinary community to share their thoughts, experiences and solutions in an informal and friendly online setting.

“Though we have panels hosting every session, these events are not formal talks or lectures and are very much about audience participation and feedback. We hope many of you can join us to talk about the struggles, challenges and occasional hilarities of veterinary life in the time of coronavirus and, in doing so, improve your own wellbeing.”

Following the initial event on Wednesday 26 February, the next planned sessions are:

  • Thursday 29 April, 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Chronic health conditions and COVID-19
  • Wednesday 26 May – 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Supporting students and new grads
  • Thursday 24 June – 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Leadership
  • date tbc - Pandemic parenting.

To sign up for any of the events please click here.

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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

Click here for more...
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.