Search

There was lively debate of some key issues at an online meeting of BVA Council on 20 April (see pages 346 and 348). Other matters discussed included two new BVA position papers and potential changes to BVA governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While most cattle and sheep in the United Kingdom are stunned before slaughter, non‐stun methods are permitted to supply meat to specific consumers. This study aimed to identify the existing literature that compared animal welfare indicators during stun and non‐stun slaughter, using a scoping review framework. Method: Following a structured search strategy, including the establishment of a PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcomes) question, a comprehensive literature search of the CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and PubMed databases, was conducted. A total of 962 papers were identified, of which 16 were selected for data extraction. Results: Fourteen papers concluded that welfare at slaughter was negatively impacted at non‐stun slaughter in comparison to stun slaughter; two papers were inconclusive. Welfare indicators identified included biochemical parameters, brain activity and visual signs of consciousness. Limitations regarding inconsistent restraint method, neck cut position and non‐standardised measures of welfare at slaughter are highlighted. Conclusions: This study provides further evidence that stunning is an effective method to improve the welfare of sheep and cattle at slaughter. Animal welfare advisors, politicians, religious communities and others interested in animal welfare could use the findings to further discuss and establish new dialogues for producing updated guidance on animal welfare at slaughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbits are popular pets, but research into their welfare is limited. This study analysed the potential association(s) between the provision of suitable housing and owner demographic factors. Methods: Data from 2017, 2018 and 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report surveys gave a sample of 1333 UK rabbit owners. Whether the rabbit housing was adequate or inadequate was ascertained by asking owners to indicate images of hutch and run size or indoor environment type that were similar to their own. The owner demographic factors collected included gender, education, household income and deprivation. Chi‐squared tests and binary logistic regression (univariable and multivariable) were used to investigate factors associated with adequate/inadequate housing. Results: One‐third (31.2%) of rabbits lived in inadequate housing and half were housed alone (51.4%). Male owners were more likely to report providing inadequate housing than females (odds ratio [OR] = 1.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.319–2.441, p < 0.001). Compared to owners over 55 years old, those aged 25–34 years were more likely to house their rabbits inadequately (OR = 2.050, 95% CI 1.286–3.267, p = 0.003). Owners with a household income below average were more likely to report providing inadequate housing compared to those with a household income above average (OR = 1.406, 95% CI 1.025–1.928, p = 0.035). Conclusion: The findings identify that inadequate rabbit housing is provided by owners of all ages, genders and deprivation levels but highlight some particular owner demographics that could be useful to target if resources are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare and often fatal, cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (CRGV) has attracted much interest since the first UK cases were identified a decade ago. At BVA Live, David Walker will be sharing his knowledge of the disease with the aim of helping practitioners understand when CRGV should be high on their list of differential diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workplace incivility is a workplace stressor with varying effects according to the status of the target and instigator. This study sought to examine veterinary staff's experiences of incivility from clients, co‐workers and senior colleagues. Method: An online mixed‐measures survey gathered data from UK veterinary staff (n = 252, primarily veterinarians and nurses). Quantitative scales were used to collect data on incivility frequency, burnout, mental health, job satisfaction, turnover intention and key coping responses. Qualitative data expanded on preferred coping strategies. Results: The impact of uncivil behaviour varied according to the source of the incivility and the status of the target. Senior colleague incivility predicted veterinarian turnover intention, whereas client incivility predicted burnout. Similarly, senior colleague incivility predicted job satisfaction for veterinary nurses. Seeking support was the most frequently reported coping strategy. The qualitative data illustrated strategies focused on calming the situation and management of self. Limitations: The data are based on self‐reports and are subject to social desirability bias. The sample is limited to UK veterinary staff. Conclusion: Veterinary staff are at risk of experiencing incivility, with varying impacts across job roles and incivility sources. A proactive system approach to incivility is recommended, encompassing support and procedural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) causes substantial economic losses to the cattle industry; however, control and eradication can be achieved by identifying and removing persistently infected cattle from the herd. Each UK nation has separate control programmes. The English scheme, BVDFree, started in 2016 and is voluntary. Methods: We analysed the test results submitted to BVDFree from 5847 herds between 2016 and 2020. Results: In 2020, 13.5% of beef breeders and 20.0% of dairy herds that submitted tests had at least one positive (virus/antibody) test result. Although lower than in previous years, there was no clear trend in the proportion of positive tests over time. In virus testing herds, 0.4% of individual tests were positive in 2020, and 1.5% of individual tests were positive in BVDV‐positive virus testing herds. Dairy herds and larger herds were more likely to join BVDFree, and dairy herds were also more likely to virus test than beef breeder herds. Larger herds, herds that used virus testing and herds that had BVDV‐positive test results were more likely to continue submitting tests to BVDFree. Conclusions: The findings provide a benchmark for the status of BVDV control in England; continued analysis of test results will be important to assess progress towards eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: UK veterinary practitioners are reported to be fearful of client complaints, but their experiences have not been formally captured. Understanding how complaints impact veterinary practitioners is key to mitigating detrimental consequences. Methods: A qualitative exploration of how UK veterinary practitioners experience and respond to adverse events was conducted. Data were collected via focus groups and interviews, which were transcribed and simultaneously analysed. Coding and theme development were inductive rather than restricted by preconceived theories. Results: Twelve focus groups and 15 individual interviews took place. One theme identified focused on the impact of client complaints. Practitioners experienced unintentional distraction and disengagement from clinical work, as well as employing defensive strategies as a direct result of complaints. The vexatious nature of some complainants was highlighted, along with concerns about practice and regulatory complaint management, lack of appropriate support, discriminatory behaviours and the influence of 'trial by media'. Conclusions: Client complaints present a threat to practitioner mental health and workforce sustainability, as well as having implications for patient safety. Mitigating these effects is a complex and multifaceted undertaking, but fairness, transparency and timeliness of practice and regulatory complaint investigation must be prioritised, along with provision of tailored support for those facing complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vaccines are commonly used in sheep farming. However, compliance with vaccination protocols and subsequent suboptimal vaccination techniques are concerns in the industry. Methods: An online survey containing 31 questions encompassing vaccination storage, technique and training was distributed to UK sheep farmers. Respondents were asked to mark on a sheep diagram where they would administer intramuscular (IM), intradermal, and subcutaneous (SC) vaccines. Results: Of 370 respondents, only 26.1% identified the correct location for SC, 38.0% for intradermal, and 7.7% for IM vaccination. Almost half (45.5%) stored their vaccines in a fridge specific to veterinary medicines, only 33.9% used a temperature logger, and 6.4% checked their fridge temperature daily. Almost half (45.5%) kept their vaccines 48 hours or longer after broaching, and 11.1% kept them until the next time. Significantly more respondents who had received training correctly identified the location for IM vaccination (p < 0.01). However, training had no significant influence on the the correct identification of the other vaccination sites, vaccine storage or administration. Conclusion: Suboptimal vaccination techniques are not due to unwillingness to learn; 83.8% responded that they would consider taking a course to improve their use. However, the majority (73.9%) were unaware of the training courses available. Therefore, the industry needs to respond and promote courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dogs are a popular pet in the UK. Information resources utilised by dog owners can influence welfare at acquisition and throughout a dog's lifetime. This study determined where UK dog owners source information, and how perceptions relating to pedigree dog breeding and health may influence this process. Methods: This cross‐sectional study used online questionnaires to explore the information resources used by dog owners and their perceptions of veterinary surgeons' and dog breeders' knowledge. Results: Overall, 1336 responses were collected (useable responses: 1167). Data indicated most owners conducted research before getting a dog, with the internet, books, breeders and friends or family among the most popular resources used. Preferred sources of information during a dogs' lifetime included the internet, talking to veterinary surgeons and reading books. Veterinary surgeons were the most popular source for health advice. Pedigree dog owners perceived veterinary surgeons and breeders to be equally knowledgeable on canine inherited diseases. However, veterinary surgeons were perceived as being more knowledgeable on inherited disease screening programmes and breeders more knowledgeable on dog breeding. Conclusion: This study highlights the information resources preferred by dog owners, providing an opportunity to maximise access to reliable sources of information to improve dog welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to identify and analyse the frequency and types of dialogue directed to animals by veterinary surgeons (i.e. pet‐directed speech) in 55 routine companion animal consultations in the United Kingdom and United States. Methods: Instances of pet‐directed speech were identified from video transcripts, coded, and analysed for content. Results: All consultations included pet‐directed speech, with 779 instances in total, 284 in the United Kingdom and 495 in the United States. There were 12 unique dialogue codes identified, the top three being 'praise,' 'small talk,' and 'explanation'. Conclusion: This study identified a wide variety of communication directed to the animal, which, combined with further research, could help enhance understanding of rapport built between the veterinary surgeon, animal, and owner during a consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: End‐of‐life decision making for animals happens daily in veterinary practice. However, access to such discussions as they happen is difficult, in view of the highly emotional circumstances of end‐of‐life consultations. Despite the expanding literature on euthanasia, few studies have explored the circumstances of euthanasia disagreement or delay. Methods: To explore euthanasia discussions in veterinary practice, consultations recorded in electronic health records in a UK veterinary surveillance database (SAVSNET) were examined. From a sample of 2000 identified consultations, 69 canine and 76 feline consultations were purposively sampled for detailed thematic analysis. Specifically, consultations were selected if they involved a decision to delay euthanasia, including disagreement about the timing of euthanasia. Results: Reasons identified for euthanasia refusal or delay included client‐related factors (e.g., allowing other family members to say goodbye, differing opinions on the quality of life) and veterinary surgeon‐related factors (eg, the wish to carry out further investigations or to try a new treatment). In the instance of refusal or delay, palliative treatment was commonly provided to preserve animal welfare. Conclusion: This study illustrates some of the processes used to negotiate end‐of‐life decision making in dogs and cats. Its findings shed light on the importance of palliative care in providing owners with time to decide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]