Join the second oldest animal welfare charity in the world’s and make a real difference every day! Established in 1836, the USPCA is committed to preventing cruelty and relieving animal suffering . Our Newry-based practice provides an affordable veterinary service while caring for shelter animals and wildlife – making this a genuinely rewarding role. We are a busy first-opinion small animal practice located within our centre in Newry, which also houses a rehoming centre, wildlife facilities, grooming salon and pet shop supplies. You’ll enjoy a varied medical and surgical caseload – including wildlife – in a supportive environment. Our amazing vet team consists of experienced team of 3 veterinary surgeons, 3 RVNs and 2 ANAs. Our full-time contract is 35 hours (part time will be considered), typically 9am-7pm but shorter shifts can be accommodated. There is time off in lieu for overtime worked. There is no OOH and Saturdays are shared within the team. We would be open to both full-time or part-time applicants, ideally with a minimum of 2 years’ experience as they will be required to work sole charge at times, however we would be open to supporting a new graduate for the right applicant. Our package includes: • Salary starting at £43,000 D.O.E • 25 days annual leave, plus 9 statutory holidays • RCVS, VDS and AVSPNI fees paid • £1,000 CPD allowance • Contributory pension scheme If meaningful work, genuine work–life balance, and a supportive team matter to you, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re actively looking, quietly considering a change, or just curious to learn more, we’re always happy to have a confidential chat. Please email ddevlin@uspca.co.uk or for an application pack, contact recruitment@uspca.co.uk before noon on 25 th April 2025
Contagious Equine Metritis
A case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a non-thoroughbred stallion has been confirmed on a premises in Fife, Scotland, Friday 3 April 2020. The affected horse was imported in November 2019 from Europe and has had no clinical signs of infection.
The diagnosis was made during routine pre-breeding testing, as per the International HBLB Codes of Practice, with positive PCR results. The affected stallion has been isolated and is undergoing treatment. Freedom from disease will be confirmed in line with the International HBLB Codes of Practice requirements and breeding will not commence on this premises until freedom from infection is confirmed.
International trade does not require country freedom, only individual or premises freedom. There are no other stallions on the premises. There is one mare at a separate premises with epidemiological links to the positive case, and this mare has been isolated and is also undergoing treatment.
The outbreak will be subject to further investigations, including tracings to determine if there are any epidemiological links to Northern Ireland. Further information on CEM is available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/contagious-equine-metritis
Contagious Equine Metritis
A case of contagious equine metritis (CEM) in a non-thoroughbred stallion has been confirmed on a premises in Fife, Scotland, Friday 3 April 2020. The affected horse was imported in November 2019 from Europe and has had no clinical signs of infection.
The diagnosis was made during routine pre-breeding testing, as per the International HBLB Codes of Practice, with positive PCR results. The affected stallion has been isolated and is undergoing treatment. Freedom from disease will be confirmed in line with the International HBLB Codes of Practice requirements and breeding will not commence on this premises until freedom from infection is confirmed.
International trade does not require country freedom, only individual or premises freedom. There are no other stallions on the premises. There is one mare at a separate premises with epidemiological links to the positive case, and this mare has been isolated and is also undergoing treatment.
The outbreak will be subject to further investigations, including tracings to determine if there are any epidemiological links to Northern Ireland. Further information on CEM is available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/contagious-equine-metritis
Cafre – European Innovation Partnerships (EIP)
Cafre have launched a new scheme called European Innovation Partnerships designed to help farmers work collaboratively with experts to address the practical issues or opportunities they are facing on their farms.
This scheme is offering 100% funding in two stages (£5,000 and up to £120,000). Projects will not commence until the Autumn, provided the current Covid-19 situation has passed.
For further information, please visit the CAFRE website: CAFRE Invites Applications for New European Innovation Partnership Scheme, which includes links to further information on the scheme and how to apply.
NB. Closing Date for Stage 1 applications will close at 4pm on Monday 27 April
Your new BVNA Regional Representative
Dear Member,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new BVNA Regional Representative for Northern Ireland region.
I have worked in the veterinary profession since 2000. I qualified as an RVN in 2006, working as a Senior Nurse in a busy small animal clinic. I have always enjoyed the training and development of student nurses, which lead me to complete a certificate in teaching. I am currently employed as a VN Lecturer, and am part of the quality assurance team on the L3DVN course, along with carrying out TP approvals, student support and clinical coach training.
I also enjoy locum nursing, having worked in an out of hours role, worked with referral cases, and in clinical research. I recently completed my Advanced Certificate in the Veterinary Nursing of Avian patients, and I am currently working on my Advanced Certs in Reptile, Wildlife and Small Mammal Nursing too. I believe that in this career, we must continue to learn and develop ourselves, and I hope that as the Regional Representative for our area I can be part of the provision of worthwhile CPD for both student and qualified Veterinary Nurses, along with other members of the practice team. I will be led by your requests for CPD subjects.
I am also one of the founding members of the Vet Support Northern Ireland team, we are a group of Vets and Veterinary Nurses who have been specifically trained to provide mental health support to the veterinary community http://www.vetsupportni.co.uk/
I currently live in Newtownards, Co.Down, and outside of work, I keep a small herd of sheep, some pedigree Blonde d’Aquitaine cows – which I breed and show, two very naughty horses, some goats, three cats, a dog and a tortoise! I also have two lovely children and a very supportive partner.
I am looking forward to this new challenge and to meeting you all in the near future at our first meeting.
Kind regards
Louise Patterson RVN
AVSPNI Endocrine Meeting – 7th February 2019
“A brilliant night’s CPD” was one of the comments received about the February meeting on Endocrinology. There was a full house to hear Barbara Gallagher deliver an excellent talk on common conundrums in Endocrine disease. Addison’s disease, feline hypothyroidism and feline diabetes were among the topics discussed. Barbara discussed a diabetes case where the patient achieved remission and shared the factors which influenced this outcome. Barbara also shared other useful tips with the delegates. The evening was made all the more enjoyable with an excellent supper provided by Alex Berry. The desserts certainly seemed to hit the spot!!
Our grateful thanks go to Barbara who had a long drive home after the event.
Why not join the Committee for the next meeting on Thursday 7th March when Laura MacFarlane will be delivering a presentation on anaemia.
For further details click here
BVA NI Branch vacancies – here’s why you might want to volunteer!
Joining Northern Ireland Branch Council is a great way to help shape the future of the veterinary profession in Northern Ireland and to ensure the voices of your peers are heard. These voluntary positions provide a fantastic opportunity for networking, a chance to attend the annual political dinner with Assembly Members at Stormont, and the work carried out can count towards CPD.
The role description is attached and the application form is here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BVAComAp
Applications close 9am on Monday 20 August.
BVA NI Branch vacancies – here’s why you might want to volunteer!
Joining Northern Ireland Branch Council is a great way to help shape the future of the veterinary profession in Northern Ireland and to ensure the voices of your peers are heard. These voluntary positions provide a fantastic opportunity for networking, a chance to attend the annual political dinner with Assembly Members at Stormont, and the work carried out can count towards CPD.
The role description is attached and the application form is here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BVAComAp
Applications close 9am on Monday 20 August.
Avian flu – talk to your clients, particularly the backyard flock owners
There has been a case of bird flu detected in Tipperary this week as well as multiple cases in England over the last few months. Although this may seem like an annual event, the current strain is slightly different to previous years and this is a serious disease with potentially devastating consequences to poultry keepers and to the extensive NI poultry industry. We would therefore ask practices to remind their clients to ensure that they are registered with DAERA as this allows quick flow of information to the client. Enhanced biosecurity is vital to try and prevent the spread of this disease from wild birds to domestic flocks and the help of practices to spread this message, especially to backyard flock owners, would be much appreciated. More information is available on the DAERA website.
Biosecurity leaflet can be downloaded here.
A poster for your surgery can be downloaded here.
Armitage Pet Care Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs and Armitage Flea Drops for Cats and Kittens: Product defect alert
We have been made aware of a Product defect alert issued by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate relating to
- Armitage Pet Care Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs 702 mg spot-on solution (Vm 20205/4003)
- Armitage Flea Drops for Cats and Kittens.
For further details, please click on the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/armitage-pet-care-flea-and-tick-drops-for-dogs-and-armitage-flea-drops-for-cats-and-kittens-product-defect-alert
