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Nominations open for workplace wellbeing awards
Blue Cross Merton Hospital won the small/medium practice category last year.
Veterinary teams can nominate their practice.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has opened nominations for this year’s BVA Wellbeing Awards.

The awards celebrate veterinary workplaces which prioritise the wellbeing of their teams. There is a prize for small/medium practices (up to 25 employees), large practices (over 25 employees) and non-clinical workplaces.

Veterinary teams are invited to nominate their workplace, and it is strongly encouraged that nominations are a team effort to allow everyone to share their thoughts and experiences.

Those nominating must show evidence from their workplace of:
  • A positive workplace culture where mental and physical wellbeing is prioritised, and workplace stress is proactively managed
  • Good communication between the team ensuring all staff members are heard and valued
  • Clear processes in place for making suggestions and enabling change
  • Flexible working is supported, and regular breaks encouraged.

Entrants need to include photos showing team culture and wellbeing initiatives. Creativity in submissions is encouraged and there is no requirement to be a BVA member. Nominations close on 9 September.

The winners of the 2024 awards will be announced at the BVA Awards dinner on 14 November during the London Vet Show.

Last year, the small/medium practice category was won by Blue Cross Merton Hospital of South West London. The winner of the large practice category was Inglis Vets in Dunfermline, and the non-clinical workplace winner was the Food Standards Agency.

Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA junior vice-president and awards judge, said: “We spend so much of our lives at work, it’s therefore so important we feel happy and valued whilst we’re there.

“Prioritising wellbeing is not only good for individuals, it also makes good business sense. Happy, healthy workplaces retain their talent, which builds a resilient workforce, which in turn benefits the sustainability of the business.

“The BVA Wellbeing Awards shine a light on the workplaces getting the balance right, working hard to go the extra mile to maintain, protect and enhance their team’s wellbeing.”

More details on nominating a workplace can be found here.

Image © BVA

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the areas where restrictions apply can be found here.