Cattle and sheep farmers’ opinions on the provision and use of abattoir rejection data in the United Kingdom

2019 ◽  
Vol 186 (7) ◽  
pp. 217-217
Author(s):  
James Hanley ◽  
Amelia Garcia-Ara ◽  
Wendela Wapenaar
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Health Plans ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Livestock Markets ◽  
Share Data ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon ◽  
Respiratory Conditions ◽  
Abattoir Data ◽  
Cattle And Sheep

BackgroundCommunication between farmers and veterinary surgeons is reported to differ when involving abattoir rejection data on cattle or sheep.MethodsUsing surveys, distributed online and on paper at livestock markets, this study describes the interest and positive opinion of a sample of UK cattle and sheep farmers in receiving abattoir data.ResultsForty-nine per cent of respondents always received abattoir data (n=37/76). Over 80 per cent of respondents were interested in all suggested rejection conditions and particularly liver fluke and respiratory conditions. Eighty-two per cent of farmers were willing to share data with their veterinary surgeon as the information could be used to inform health plans.ConclusionThe study findings indicate that having an accurate and consistent data system, which is easily accessible to farmers and veterinary surgeons, appears an essential next step to improve the use of existing abattoir data and enhance animal health, welfare and production.

scholarly journals Owner and veterinary surgeon perspectives on the roles of veterinary nurses and receptionists in relation to small animal preventive healthcare consultations in the United Kingdom

2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (9) ◽  
pp. 296-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Belshaw ◽  
Natalie Jane Robinson ◽  
Rachel Sarah Dean ◽  
Marnie Louise Brennan
Keyword(s):  
Small Animal ◽  
Preventive Healthcare ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Practice Based Research ◽  
Rapport Building ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon ◽  
The Uk ◽  
First Time

Veterinary receptionists and veterinary nurses rarely feature in published practice-based research, yet are integral to small animal veterinary practice in the UK. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of UK-based owners and veterinary surgeons about veterinary nurses and receptionists in relation to their role in preventive healthcare. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 15 dog and cat owners and 14 veterinary surgeons. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Reception staff were identified as having a range of important roles, from rapport building to providing healthcare information and advice. The perceived importance of those roles appeared to differ between owners and veterinary surgeons. Veterinary nurses were described as performing a diversity of roles in relation to preventive healthcare, both in the reception area and in the consulting room. Many owners, and some veterinary surgeons, expressed uncertainty about the remit and status of veterinary nurses in relation to providing veterinary advice. This study identifies for the first time the degree of responsibility for preventive healthcare given to veterinary receptionists and veterinary nurses in UK small animal practices. Further work is needed involving reception and nursing staff to fully appreciate and define their roles in small animal practice.

scholarly journals Veterinary surgeons’ legal obligations in sales-related animal health status examinations

2021 ◽  
Vol 77 (06) ◽  
pp. 309-313
Author(s):  
ANDRZEJ DZIKOWSKI
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Civil Law ◽  
Corporate Law ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
Legal Obligations ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon

The article presents, interprets, analyzes and examines legal obligations of veterinary surgeons who conduct animal examinations, issue decisions on animal health, and prepare opinions in connection with the contract of sale. It examines responsibilities originating from various sources and forming a complex system of relationships. A veterinary surgeon has numerous obligations in the field of civil law (including general civilian rules and norms of the law of obligations) and corporate law (including ethics and professional deontology). Moreover, he also has specific documentation, information, and explanatory duties closely related to the contract. The liability threshold of a veterinary surgeon is very low, which applies in particular to the mixed contract discussed here (an obligation of due diligence in relation to examination and an obligation of result in relation to decision-making).

Models for charging in practice: how should farm veterinary surgeons earn their living?

Livestock ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-93
Author(s):  
Owen Atkinson
Keyword(s):  
Professional Services ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Opinion Piece ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon

There are many different ways that practices use for charging farm clients for their professional services. Ideally, the model is equitable for veterinary surgeon, client and animal. Different structures can influence how a practice's services are used and which services are successful. This article, which is an opinion piece, reviews common fee charging structures in UK farm practice. An argument is presented that if practices progressed towards a subscription-style charging model, at least for advisory work, and possibly for out-of-hours emergency work, this could be beneficial to farm businesses, veterinary businesses, farm veterinary surgeons, and the animals under their care.

scholarly journals OPEN ACCESS: Insights into UK farmers' attitudes towards cattle youngstock rearing and disease

Livestock ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 274-281
Author(s):  
Katharine Baxter-Smith ◽  
Robert Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Antibiotic Usage ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon ◽  
Beef Suckler ◽  
Housing Facilities

There is increased industry focus on optimised welfare, productivity and antibiotic usage in cattle youngstock, however, little is known about UK farmers' attitudes and practices in rearing calves. In this cross-sectional study, 479 farmers were surveyed online about their cattle youngstock rearing approach and outcomes. Represented were 174 dairy farmers, 255 beef suckler farmers and 50 calf rearers. Farmers showed awareness of good youngstock rearing practices such as colostrum management and housing facilities. Morbidity and mortality from diarrhoea (82%, 48%) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) (68%, 48%) were high on farms surveyed but farmers did not frequently consult their veterinary surgeon regarding these diseases. Farmers surveyed were not always aware of the efficacy of preventative methods such as vaccination, and frequently used antibiotic treatments (27% for diarrhoea and 40% for BRD) but not diagnostics when animals had disease. Veterinary surgeons could use these insights to better understand farmers' motivations and priorities, to make communication more efficient and align goals.

Understanding the pharmaceutical approach to pain management in canine osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Hannah Capon
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Multimodal Approach ◽  
Pharmaceutical Management ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Canine Population ◽  
Canine Osteoarthritis

Canine osteoarthritis was recently reclassified as a welfare concern by the Veterinary Companion Animal Surveillance System (VetCompass), an initiative run by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, focused on improving companion animal health. This condition is a common cause for consultation in first opinion practice, with an estimated 35% of the canine population being affected. Chronic pain is complex and a multimodal approach is best for management, which includes pharmaceuticals employed in a methodical manner. This article provides an overview of the types of pain associated with canine osteoarthritis, as well as how to recognise them. Making reference to hypothetical cases, the appropriate pharmaceutical management is described. Further management strategies, as part of a multimodal approach, are summarised to ensure best practice.

Some skin conditions in pigs: types, control and prevention

Livestock ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 300-308
Author(s):  
John Carr ◽  
Mark Howells ◽  
William Hersey
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Careful Clinical Examination ◽  
Welfare Problem ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon ◽  
Skin Conditions

Skin conditions in pigs are common problems presented to the veterinary surgeon. A careful clinical examination, especially considering the age of the pig and the distribution of the lesions, all aids making an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Pain management is essential in clinical management. Sarcoptic mange is a condition that can be eliminated from pigs and should be considered a welfare problem. Ear necrosis and trauma injuries can be particularly problematic and must be treated aggressively. African swine fever (ASF) presents with a range of clinical signs including skin lesions, and all veterinary surgeons must be able to put ASF as a differential where appropriate.

Weight management: insights from the science of human behaviour change

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 396-401
Author(s):  
Tamzin Furtado
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Human Behaviour ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Conversational Style ◽  
Welfare Problem ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon

Helping animal owners to recognise and manage obesity in their animals is a particularly complex area of communications in veterinary medicine. Several studies have outlined the difficulty veterinary professionals face in such discussions, including frustration with the client, embarrassment (particularly if the owner is also overweight), and a sense of inevitable failure. However, obesity continues to be a serious and prevalent welfare problem in dogs, cats, and probably other companion animals as well — hence those discussions will only continue. This review considers veterinary surgeon–client interactions around obesity from the perspective of behaviour change psychology and motivational interviewing, in order to determine how veterinary surgeons and nurses can best assist owners. We consider how an approach based on a supportive and empathetic conversational style could be best suited to these discussions, leading to tailored weight management solutions. Nurses are ideally placed to work with owners in this way.

Animal health : present and future

1977 ◽  
Vol 281 (980) ◽  
pp. 181-191
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
New Production ◽  
Financial Investment ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
High Standards

The importance of the health of farm livestock is considered in relation to the need to economically produce enough human food of an acceptable quality. The control and eradication of important diseases is discussed. Success in this work has allowed the development of high performance breeds by genetic selection. It has also encouraged the development of large scale units and intensive husbandry techniques. These new production methods require high standards of management from all concerned, and represent considerable financial investment. Biochemists, geneticists, physiologists, veterinary surgeons, all have a part to play in the modern livestock industry. The work of the State Veterinary Service is seen as catalytic. The possible development of a disease surveillance unit is discussed, also the type of information required by both veterinary surgeons and farmers.

scholarly journals Understanding veterinary leadership in practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 182 (16) ◽  
pp. 460-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Elizabeth Pearson ◽  
Allan J Butler ◽  
Yaqub Paul Murray
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Leadership Position ◽  
The Core ◽  
Veterinary Surgeons ◽  
Leadership Experiences ◽  
Veterinary Surgeon

The Vet Futures Report has identified ‘exceptional leadership’ as a key ambition for the long-term sustainability of the industry. This research investigates what it is like to be a veterinary surgeon in an in-practice leadership position, applying the qualitative methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis. Through the researchers’ interpretation of the seven participants’ stories of their leadership experiences, the study advances understanding of the work environment, underlying motivations and the perceived responsibilities of veterinary leaders. Findings suggest, for many, a struggle in transition to leader positions, improving with time. The increase in pace of work is relayed by participants, with an ongoing, and unchallenged, work–life imbalance. The vets involved are highly motivated, driven by enjoyment of their jobs, a desire for self-determination and a need to make a difference. Relationships form the core of the perceived responsibilities, and yet are identified as the greatest day-to-day challenge of leadership. This study offers a valuable insight for veterinary surgeons, suggesting the industry could benefit from pausing and reflecting on behaviours. With a greater understanding of the complexity of leadership and followership, progress can be made to enact positive changes for the future.

Changing Conceptions of Care

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekah Fox ◽  
Nancy R. Gee
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Companion Animal ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Home Based

This paper explores the changing nature of companion animal-human relationships in Britain over the past 30 years. This period has seen rapid change in attitudes and practices towards companion animals, with notable advances in medical treatment, nutrition, and understanding of non-human animal behavior, as well as re-evaluations of the position of animals within the home. Based upon in-depth interviews with companion animal caretakers and professionals involved in the companion animal industry, we examined these changes in the United Kingdom. Major themes were identified: Humanization, Commercialization, Medicalization, Responsible Companionship, and Alternative Companionship. These changes have had largely positive effects on companion animal health and welfare, but also bring new expectations of the companion relationship, which humans and nonhuman animals may be unable or unwilling to fulfill. While dominant discourses of responsible companionship prevail, the process of change is ongoing and reflects emerging trends in human society towards diversification and alternative lifestyles.

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