Companion May 2012 - BSAVA

Surveillance
– now is the time
With BSAVA joining
the team at University
of Liverpool for the
SAVSNET project,
now is the time for the
profession to get
ambitious about data
gathering – so we
began by taking that
message to Congress
Researchers at Liverpool University have shown it is possible to extract
priceless epidemiological data on companion animal diseases from
practice computer records. Now it is up the profession as a whole to
make sure that the process continues and that the data produced is
effectively and ethically used. This is why BSAVA made increasing awareness
of SAVSNET a priority at Congress.
Delegates were told by Dr Alan Radford, principal investigator, how the
original pilot study had considered gastrointestinal diseases using data from
both commercial laboratories and private first opinion practices. Now
SAVSNET plans to collect information on a much broader range of conditions
including dermatological, respiratory, neurological, oncological and endocrine
diseases, Dr Noble told the meeting.
Initially, SAVSNET gathered data from a limited number of practices and
only those using a particular practice management system from Vet Solutions.
Now the organisers hope to collect information on routine consultations from
as many practices as possible, all around the country. “If you are using that
system already in your practice, then you can sign up immediately. If not, then
please join us as we encourage other
providers to produce the software that will
allow it to be embedded in the SAVSNET
system,” said Dr Radford.
The ambition is to make data available
at different levels – for the public to learn
about the prevalence of their pet’s
condition, for practitioners to find out how
their practice compares with others
(anonymously), and for researchers to
use the raw data in further studies.
“I would find it incomprehensible
for any member of the profession not to
want to contribute to this project,”
suggested one interested observer,
Professor David Church of the Royal
Veterinary College. For more information
about becoming part of the project
email savsnet@bsava.com. ■
Vets lead
on One
Health
One of the key themes running through
BSAVA Congress was One Health –
with BSAVA’s Junior Vice-President
Michael Day leading the call for the
veterinary profession to take the lead and work
with human health and environment agencies.
At a series of lectures, and in the press
conference, leaders from WSAVA, FECAVA and
BSAVA discussed how global collaboration is
essential if we are to meet the key objectives set
by the One Health ideal.
For the ambitious WSAVA One Health initiative
this means rabies – it is one of the first focus areas
and the team believe now is the time to address
the fact that an estimated 55,000 rabies-related
deaths occur every year – mostly in children in the
developing world. Jolle Kirpensteijn of WSAVA,
Simon Orr of FECAVA and Michael Day, who chairs
the One Health project all agree – it is possible to
eradicate this disease, and we have both the ability
and responsibility to do so. ■
POISONS PICK-UP
The loyalty benefi t
for 2012 (available to
renewing members)
was a big hit at
Congress. Eligible
members were keen
to be the fi rst to
collect their BSAVA/
VPIS Guide to Common
Canine and Feline
Poisons on the BSAVA
Balcony. All those
members who did not
collect at Congress
will be sent their copy
during May and June.
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