Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vet Sustain developing carbon calculator for practices
It is hoped the calculator will be accessible via the Vet Sustain website by 2022.

Calculator uses date entry from a practice's utility records.

The first-ever carbon calculator for veterinary practices could be launched as soon as Spring 2022, the BVA has announced.

The calculator is being developed by social enterprise Vet Sustain in collaboration with the BVNA, BVA, BSAVA and SPVS to provide veterinary practice teams with the ability to work out their carbon emissions. 

It comes amid mounting concerns over the environment and pressing government and corporate targets for reducing carbon emissions. 

“BVA is committed to supporting the veterinary profession to be more sustainable and is proud to be supporting this new resource," commented Justine Shotton, president of the BVA. "The carbon calculator will help veterinary teams to assess their carbon footprint and enable them to identify the ways in which they can practically reduce their impact on the environment."

First developed by Investors in the Environment, the calculator wil use data entry from a practice's utility records. It is hoped that the tool will be accessible via the Vet Sustain website by Spring 2022. 

"This tool will add to the suite of currently available tools such as the Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist and the Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme, which can help veterinary workplaces to operate more sustainably," commented BVA presidnet, Justine Shotton.

"We strongly encourage members of the profession to engage with these tools and look forward to the new carbon calculator.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.