VET Junie / June 2025 The Monthly Magazine of the SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION Die Maandblad van die SUID-AFRIKAANSE VETERINÊRE VERENIGING Respiratory disorders of backyard poultry – Part 1 of 2: Viral Conditions CPD THEME Food Safety and One Health nuus•news Access to CPD Articles: https://www.sava.co.za/vetnews-2025/
Dagboek • Diary Ongoing / Online 2025 June 2025 July 2025 SAVETCON: Webinars Info: Corné Engelbrecht, SAVETCON, 071 587 2950, corne@savetcon.co.za / https://app.livestorm.co/svtsos Acupuncture – Certified Mixed Species Course Info: Chi University: https://chiu.edu/courses/cva#aboutsouthafrica@tcvm.com SAVA Johannesburg Branch CPD Events Monthly - please visit the website for more info. Venue: Johannesburg Country Club Info: Vetlink - https://savaevents.co.za/ Eastern Free State Branch Congress 06-07 June Venue: Protea Hotel, Clarens Info: conference@savetcon.co.za MPO First-Ever Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Conference 08 -10 June Venue: Radisson Hotel, O.R. Tambo Airport (Gauteng) Info : The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO), Lize Marié du Toit - lizem@mpo.co.za or 076 774 1284 55th Annual SASAS Congress 08 -10 July Venue: Protea Hotel, The Ranch Resort, Polokwane Info: https://www.sasascongress.co.za/ Hill’s & MSD Nurses Weekend 26-27 July Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel, Grabouw Info: corne@savetcon.co.za NVCG Bush Break 26-27 July Venue: Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre, Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Info: https://vetlink.co.za/BUSH-BREAK-26-27-JULY-2025/ August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 Western Cape Branch Congress 01-02 August Venue: Protea Hotel, Marriott Stellenbosch & Conf Centre Info: https://vetlink.co.za/western_cape/ 14th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium 11-14 August Venue: Hilton Vienna Park, Austria Info: corne@savetcon.co.za or visit www.ivis2025.org 22nd Annual SASVEPM Congress 20 -22 August Venue: ANEW Resort White River, Mpumalanga, SA Info: https://sasvepm.org/ or conferences@vetlink.co.za Eastern Cape and Karoo Branch Congress 12-13 September Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth Info: https://vetlink.co.za/eastern_cape_and_karoo_branch/ 5th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife and 53rd Annual PARSA Conference 14-18 September Venue: Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Info: corne@savetcon.co.za or visit www.savetcon.co.za Northern Natal and Midlands Branch Congress 11-12 October Venue: Fordoun Hotel and Spa, Midlands Info: https://vetlink.co.za/northern_natal_and_midlands/ The Middle East & Africa Veterinary Congress (MEAVC) 17 -19 October: Pre- and Main Congress Workshops Venue: Jafza One Convention Centre, Dubai Info: www.meavc.com Northern Cape and Free State Branch Congress 18-19 October Venue: To be confirmed (Bloemfontein) Info: conference@savetcon.co.za KwaZulu-Natal Branch Congress 25-26 October Venue: San Lameer Resort, Southbroom Info: www.vetlink.co.za 11th International Sheep Veterinary Congress 27-31 October Venue: Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Info: https://intsheepvetassoc.org/11th-isvc-2025
Vetnuus | June 2025 1 Contents I Inhoud President: Dr Ziyanda Qwalela president@sava.co.za Interim Managing Director: Dr Paul van der Merwe md@sava.co.za Editor VetNews: Ms Andriette van der Merwe vetnews@sava.co.za Accounts / Bookkeeping: Ms Sonja Ludik bookkeeper@sava.co.za/+27 (0)12 346 1150 Secretary: Ms Sonja Ludik sonja@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Reception: Ms Hanlie Swart reception@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Marketing & Communications: Ms Sonja van Rooyen marketing@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Membership Enquiries: Ms Debbie Breeze debbie@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Vaccination Booklets: Ms Debbie Breeze debbie@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 South African Veterinary Foundation: Ms Debbie Breeze savf@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Community Veterinary Clinics: Ms Claudia Cloete manager@savacvc.co.za/ +27 (0)63 110 7559 SAVETCON: Ms Corné Engelbrecht corne@savetcon.co.za/ +27 (0)71 587 2950 VetNuus is ‘n vertroulike publikasie van die SAVV en mag nie sonder spesifieke geskrewe toestemming vooraf in die openbaar aangehaal word nie. Die tydskrif word aan lede verskaf met die verstandhouding dat nóg die redaksie, nóg die SAVV of sy ampsdraers enige regsaanspreeklikheid aanvaar ten opsigte van enige stelling, feit, advertensie of aanbeveling in hierdie tydskrif vervat. VetNews is a confidential publication for the members of the SAVA and may not be quoted in public or otherwise without prior specific written permission to do so. This magazine is sent to members with the understanding that neither the editorial board nor the SAVA or its office bearers accept any liability whatsoever with regard to any statement, fact, advertisement or recommendation made in this magazine. VetNews is published by the South African Veterinary Association STREET ADDRESS 47 Gemsbok Avenue, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa POSTAL ADDRESS P O Box 25033, Monument Park Pretoria, 0105, South Africa TELEPHONE +27 (0)12 346-1150 FAX General: +27 (0) 86 683 1839 Accounts: +27 (0) 86 509 2015 WEB www.sava.co.za CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please notify the SAVA by email: debbie@sava.co.za or letter: SAVA, P O Box 25033, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0105, South Africa CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS (Text to a maximum of 80 words) Sonja van Rooyen assistant@sava.co.za +27 (0)12 346 1150 DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS Sonja van Rooyen assistant@sava.co.za +27 (0)12 346 1150 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Sonja van Rooyen PRINTED BY Business Print: +27 (0)12 843 7638 VET Diary / Dagboek II Dagboek • Diary Regulars / Gereeld 2 From the President 4 Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas Articles / Artikels 8 The path to Net Zero carbon emissions for veterinary practice 14 A Practical Approach to Sustainability in the Veterinary Clinic 18 The intersection of Interprofessional Education and One Health: A qualitative study in human and veterinary medical institutions 24 Food Safety and Chemical Residue Monitoring in South Africa Association / Vereniging 26 SAVA Awards 30 CVC News 33 SAVA News 36 Legal Mews Events / Gebeure 35 Oranje Vaal Kongres Vet's Health / Gesondheid 42 Life Coaching Technical / Tegnies 38 Royal Canin Column 40 Ophthalmology Column Marketplace / Markplein 44 Marketplace Jobs / Poste 45 Jobs / Poste 46 Classifieds / Snuffeladvertensies 18 40 26 Click on the image to access Vetnews CPD articles « nuus•news
Vetnews | Junie 2025 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS This month’s One Health theme could not be more relevant. As the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health becomes increasingly evident, veterinary professionals are called upon to lead with purpose. Our role extends far beyond animal health and welfare; we are also guardians of public health and active contributors to sustainable agricultural systems. A critical One Health focus area is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While codes guiding responsible antimicrobial use exist in intensive production systems, veterinarians play a central role in ensuring that antimicrobial use in food-producing animals is prudent, sciencebased, and ethically sound. Beyond prescribing these medications, our profession is key to surveillance, public education, and shaping policy at national and sectoral levels. The SAVA Medicines Committee, the South African Animal Health Association, industry representatives, and other stakeholders joined forces to form an Antimicrobial Alliance, a significant step towards a unified national approach. The Alliance, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and stakeholders in academia, will host a virtual dialogue, anticipated in July, to align strategies, improve data-sharing frameworks, and integrate academic research into practical and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, Dr Catriona Lyle, a member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on AMR, has called on all SAVA species groups to update their Responsible Antibiotic Use Guidelines, aligning them with European Medicines Agency (EMA) standards. SAVA is proud to support and champion such initiatives, reinforcing the role of veterinarians in shaping One Health strategies. In parallel, preparations for the 2025 SAVA Congress are underway. The Congress will serve as a vital platform for showcasing innovation, research, and multidisciplinary collaboration. We invite all members to participate—whether by submitting abstracts, recommending speakers, or volunteering to lead. We are currently seeking a Chairperson for the Scientific Programme, and expressions of interest can be sent to president@sava.co.za. As discussed in the last FEDCO meetings, Dr Marianne Lombard has kindly offered to revive the Vets in Industry Group. Members with an interest in veterinary roles within pharmaceutical, feed, and agribusiness sectors are encouraged to reach out to Sonja Ludik at sonja@sava.co.za. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Marianne Lombard for her assistance in reviving this important group. The Vets in Industry Group has historically made significant technical contributions while also fostering a sense of community and social well-being among its members. Its revitalisation is both timely and welcome. Ek moet dit weer beklemtoon! Biosecurity remains a top priority. The recent FMD outbreak extension into Gauteng underscores the need for heightened vigilance, particularly where animals from different sources congregate. The upcoming National Biosecurity Summit in mid-June will provide an important platform for stakeholders to collaborate on practical, sustainable strategies for biosecurity and disease prevention. In early June, the SAVA Poultry Group will also host its AGM and Technical Session, continuing the sector’s focus on the production of safe, nutritious food. As South Africa moves closer to employing avian influenza vaccination as a control tool, veterinarians across disciplines must work collaboratively to ensure effective and responsible implementation. Finally, recent challenges faced by a major poultry company have highlighted the need for veterinarians to move beyond advisory roles and take up space as decision-makers in matters affecting animal welfare and production sustainability. In every one of the areas I’ve highlighted, our greatest strength lies in our ability to work together. As veterinarians, we are stronger when we collaborate across disciplines, engage with policymakers, and support one another through our shared commitment to health and sustainability. Stronger Together is more than just a slogan, it is a call to action. Enjoy this month and may it bring you adventure and many family kaggel moments! v Warmest regards, Ziyanda From the President Dear members, Stronger Together – Advancing One Health
Vetnuus | June 2025 3 Vetnuus | August 2024 3 To find out more: Building better practice, together. The co.mpanion partnership is a co.llaborative model that gives you the ownership, support and autonomy you need to build your individual practice’s legacy inside a growing network. co.mpanion is not a corporate body, it is a professional owned and led veterinary model that is right for you if: You are looking for a support structure. You are looking for a better way to exit from or sell your practice. You want to become a shareholder. www.companion.partners Download Value Proposition View Video WhatsApp Sr Dale Parrish
Vetnews | Junie 2025 4 « BACK TO CONTENTS It is said that every year you should visit a place you have not been before. On the eve of an epic overlanding journey, and amidst all the chaos of lists, requirements and packing, I take a moment to consider our footprint. It is far too simple to make it the problem of large companies, manufacturing or pollution, but what is my, as an individual responsibility to also limit my contribution to ultimately Climate Change? I saw an insert on a recent Carte Blanche program on the cheap clothing industry. It is horrendous to see the amount of fast-fashion clothing that gets dumped in countries like Ghana. On the beaches of Accra, you cannot reach the water's edge without walking on a mountain of clothing and plastic. Fast out-of-fashion items are brought by the bale-load into Ghana and resold to provide an income. According to 2 articles featured in this month's magazine, the veterinary practice can contribute to being more green and reducing our footprint on Earth. The only place we can live. Some of the steps to consider may seem trivial but if there is pressure to start doing it on a bigger scale, the impact can be significant. I am proud that Vetnews is distributed largely electronically and does not add to the glossy paper pollution, which is more difficult to recycle than non-glossy paper. Even saving on the entire printing process is a positive step. We may have had a small run, but It is now avoided. The other point touched is carbon emissions. An interesting article to read I wish you all the best of June, and please accept my apologies if the July edition does not arrive with your morning coffee on the first working day of July, we will be working hard to make it happen soon after. v Andriette From the Editor Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 212121
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Vetnews | Junie 2025 6 « BACK TO CONTENTS SA EVENT MANAGEMENT ETCON YEARS 2004-2024 www.savetcon.co.za +27(0)71 587 2950 www 2025 14-18 SEPT th 5 InternaƟonal Congress on Parasites of Skukuza Kruger NaƟonal Park 30 OCT - th 10 South African Immunology Society Garden Court Marine Parade, KZN 18-19 OCT SAVA Free-State & Northern Cape Branch Bloemfontein 2026 1-4 th 13 InternaƟonal Crustacean Society STIAS, Stellenbosch Conference Congress Conference rd Wildlife and 53 Annual PARSA Conference 01 NOV JUN 6-7 JUN SAVA Eastern Free-State Branch Congress Protea Hotel Marriot, Clarens 26-27 JUL Hill’s Pet NutriƟon & MSD Animal Health Houw Hoek Hotel, Grabouw 11-14 AUG th 14 InternaƟonal Veterinary Immunology Hilton Vienna Park, Austria Symposium Nurses Hybrid Weekend “Excellent delegate experience makes events successful. That’s where we come in.” COMING UP
Vetnuus | June 2025 7 STUDY VETERINARY MEDICINE IN CYPRUS DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE (DVM) 5-Year Programme for High School Leavers unic.ac.cy/vet EARLY CLINICAL EXPOSURE AND TRAINING in small groups with both large and small animals from year one. CURRICULUM ALIGNED WITH RCVS, AVMA, EAEVE, AND WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH INNOVATIVE, HANDS-ON CURRICULUM designed to offer you the necessary Day One skills required to follow any career pathway in veterinary medicine. COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ANIMAL WELFARE volunteerism and service opportunities with sheltered animals. TALENTED AND DEDICATED FACULTY MEMBERS AND STAFF facilitating and guiding your learning and development as a veterinarian. FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE We, the members of the Association, resolve at all times: • To honour our profession and the Veterinary Oath • To maintain and uphold high professional and scientific standards • To use our professional knowledge, skills and resources to protect and promote the health and welfare of animals and humans • To further the status and image of the veterinarian and to foster and enrich veterinary science • To promote the interests of our Association and fellowship amongst its members. Ons, die lede van die Vereniging, onderneem om te alle tye: • Ons professie in ere te hou en die Eed na te kom • ‘n Hoë professionele en wetenskaplike peil te handhaaf en te onderhou • Ons professionele kennis, vaardigheid en hulpbronne aan te wend ter beskerming en bevordering van die gesondheid en welsyn van dier en mens • Die status en beeld van die veearts te bevorder en die veeartsenykunde te verryk • Die belange van ons Vereniging en die genootskap tussen sy lede te bevorder. CREDO
Vetnews | Junie 2025 8 « BACK TO CONTENTS The path to Net Zero carbon emissions for veterinary practice Jeremy A. Watson1*, Corinna Klupiec 2, Jane Bindloss 3 and Mariane Morin 4 1 Brimbank Veterinary Clinic, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 2 Metamorphomedia, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 3 SANE Veterinary Management, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 4 Thornbury Veterinary Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement is a compelling reason for the entire veterinary profession to act on climate change because of its impact on animal health. This perspective aims to provide a business framework that veterinary practices can use to implement the path to Net Zero carbon emissions. Practice management is identified as a key stakeholder capable of implementing significant change within the sector. Climate-related business opportunities and challenges are identified and integrated into a stepwise process for practices to follow. The pathway requires establishing a culture of sustainability within the veterinary team, measuring and reporting emissions, setting targets and systematically prioritizing reductions. Practices can begin this process immediately by reducing emissions under the direct control of the business (Scope 1) and emissions from electricity purchases (Scope 2). To complete the pathway, emissions from all other activities (Scope 3) will need to be reduced and offset. Reduction of Scope 3 emissions is more challenging and will require collaboration between all supply chain stakeholders. The progression of climate change is now inevitable and a proactive approach from veterinary leaders, in particular practice management, will provide new opportunities, manage risks and inspire the broader veterinary sector to join their efforts to achieve a better future for animal health. 1. Introduction Climate change is having a significant and continuing impact on animal health (1–7). It is now well established that climate change is caused by human activity and therefore everyone, including the veterinary sector, has an important role to play in responding to this situation (8, 9). Mitigation of climate change and its impacts requires maximal reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. For residual emissions that cannot be avoided, offsetting can be used so that the net impact on climate change is zero. This is known as Net Zero emissions, commonly shortened to Net Zero. In this perspective, we propose a framework for veterinary businesses to implement a pathway to Net Zero carbon emissions. Our focus is on small to medium-sized veterinary practices; however, the principles can be applied to businesses of any size. Integrated action by all veterinary businesses will be crucial for accelerating the decarbonization of the veterinary sector in line with globally accepted emissions reduction timelines. The Paris Agreement aims to keep global warming to 1.5°C, or as near as possible, above pre-industrial levels (10). The window of opportunity to meet the 1.5°C target is rapidly closing; to accomplish this goal, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 (from 2010 levels), and Net Zero emissions must be achieved by 2050 (10, 11). However, the current trajectory is for greater than 2°C of global warming (10). The difference between 1.5°C and 2°C will have a significantly greater impact on animal health and society in general (10, 12). The veterinary sector has an important role to educate and inspire the community to deal with this issue (13). When compared to the broader non-science-trained community, the background of veterinarians provides them with an advantage in being able to analyze, comprehend and communicate climate science (14). The community looks to veterinarians to provide leadership on issues of animal health which should include education about the impact of climate change. Research indicates veterinarians understand that human-induced climate change is occurring, and there is a desire to take action in their professional lives, but this has not resulted in corresponding change within the businesses in which veterinarians work (13– 17). To drive the implementation of a path to Net Zero within the veterinary sector, veterinary practice management needs to combine the imperative of climate science with the opportunities and challenges it presents and align this with existing business management structures, opportunities and obstacles. There is published work providing examples of common opportunities for emissions reduction in veterinary practice (18, 19). To drive impactful deployment of such activities throughout the sector, key business decision-makers need to be identified and provided with details of how to implement a pathway to Net Zero. Within veterinary practices, the business decision-makers are the owners and managers (management). They are the key stakeholders who allocate resources to implement the changes needed. When analyzing prospective changes, management will apply the fundamental business considerations of profitability, team purpose and client value. The inevitable progression of climate change will result in external pressures and internal opportunities requiring successful business responses with due consideration to all three of these factors (20). External pressures include: Growing community expectations (14) ii. Attracting, motivating and retaining talented employees, particularly younger individuals who place value on practices demonstrating a clear commitment to their future (21, 22) Preparing for future compliance with government regulation and industry policy (23–26) Responding to climate-related business risks. The Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure is widely used in corporate risk reporting and can be applied to a business of any size (27). Climate risk is broken into: Physical risks such as extreme weather events impacting business, staff, clients and patients, particularly in practices located in areas vulnerable to flooding or wildfire.
Vetnuus | June 2025 9 Leading Article Transitional risks: equipment and processes will become redundant in the transition to low-carbon alternatives. For example, gas heating will be replaced by electric heat pump alternatives and anaesthetic gases will need a zero-emissions alternative (28–32) Litigation risks: Especially for corporate entities, litigation risk may be present in the event of a failure to disclose climate risks to shareholders. Internal opportunities include: Financial efficiency savings from supply chain review and implementation of new green technology (20) Alignment of caring for animal health with existing practice culture Increased client and staff loyalty by marketing businesses’ climate change commitments (20, 33) Business growth by developing advice on emissions reduction in production animals. Improved animal health reduces emissions and improves productivity for producers (5, 34–36) Considering these factors, the existing interest among veterinary teams to do more to address climate change is likely to increase. To drive meaningful progress towards Net Zero, veterinary managers must be equipped to make informed decisions and allocate the necessary resources within an appropriate framework (18). Practices will proceed down this path if they are aware of opportunities, and how they can be exploited and are provided with solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Emissions reduction by business is now well developed in the corporate non-veterinary economy and guides the developing a pathway for the veterinary sector. In this perspective, we draw on this model to provide a framework for veterinary managers to follow (Figure 1). It begins with recognising the need for change and then implementing change within a well-defined pathway. Conceptually this perspective draws on “Targeting Net Zero – a strategic framework for business action” and applies this to the veterinary context (37). 2. The pathway to Net Zero for veterinary practice 2.1. Aligning business culture and strategy Setting a culture of sustainability within the practice is a critically important foundation for a successful Net Zero strategy. In a busy practice, there are many daily touch points where the veterinary team needs to make routine decisions based on established criteria; for example, point-of-use recycling, anaesthetic flow rates and procurement options. Therefore, climate-related goals must become deeply embedded in the workplace culture. This change in mindset also needs to align with the existing strategy and purpose of the practice to avoid conflict with current budgets, timelines, stakeholders and targets (38). In small to medium-sized veterinary practices, the workplace culture is influenced by the daily exposure of the team to the actions and attitudes of the senior practice principal(s) or onsite manager(s). As key stakeholders, these individuals must appreciate that a successful Net Zero strategy requires cultural change within the practice. Importantly, all team members need to understand climate change and believe their actions will contribute to reducing emissions. Tools that can assist with achieving these outcomes include free online materials, customized programs and external consultants (39–41). 2.2. Setting targets Once a practice has decided to implement a pathway to Net Zero it is important to set targets based on scientific evidence. Annual emissions reduction targets should be set following a near-term (5– 10 year) target and the final target should be Net Zero by 2050. The Science Based Targets Initiative is an international standard which aligns with the 1.5°C pathway (Paris Agreement) and sets out key requirements for businesses to establish validated targets (42). It recommends setting a near-term target of a 50% reduction by 2030 and a 90% reduction by 2050, with residual emissions neutralized with carbon credits. 2.3 Measuring the carbon footprint To calculate the carbon footprint, all emissions occurring as a result of the activities of the business must be identified and quantified (19). This can be facilitated by using published recommendations, customized carbon calculators, or the engagement of an external consultant (19, 43). Free online carbon calculators can also provide a useful starting point for some types of emissions (44). When calculating emissions, it is important to define the boundary between what is, and is not, included. For example, a can of pet food consumed by a patient within the practice may be part of the footprint of the practice, but a can of pet food sold by the business and consumed offsite by the customer’s pet may not. Comprehensive information about setting emissions boundaries is detailed in the Green House Gas Protocol (45). It is also important to consider why the carbon footprint is being calculated as this will influence the level of accuracy and detail of the results. During the measurement process, the business also needs to consider how the results will be reported (see section 2.4) Figure 1: The path to Net Zero highlighting the importance of continuous collaboration, evaluation and improvement. >>>10
Vetnews | Junie 2025 10 « BACK TO CONTENTS Leading Article and to whom. For example, reporting to a public register to purchase carbon offsets may be different in detail from internal reporting to the veterinary team for emissions reduction. Furthermore, the process of calculating needs to be transparent so that year-onyear comparisons are meaningful as the business grows or if the methodology of calculation changes. Emissions are divided into three categories (see also Table 1): Scope 1 – emissions produced onsite. Scope 2 – emissions produced from purchased electricity. Scope 3 – emissions that are triggered by the operation of the business due to the purchase and use of products and services. Published emission factors are used to convert usage data from each scope to equivalent tons of CO2 emissions (CO2e) (19, 46). Calculation of emissions factors is known as Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and is a technical process involving“cradle-to-grave”carbon analysis which is usually financed and undertaken by the manufacturer (46). In the absence of LCA values, an estimate of the carbon footprint of these items is determined using the purchase price which is then converted to a CO2 equivalent using internationally accepted accounting factors (economic input-output LCA) (47, 48). A key recommendation of this perspective is to begin by measuring Scope 1 and 2 emissions. This data is easy to collect and there is direct control over emissions (19). For example, data is sourced from energy bills, vehicle odometer readings, maintenance reports and purchasing invoices. All veterinary practices can commence their path to Net Zero immediately by measuring usage of these items year on year and choosing lower carbon alternatives. This initial step does not require the use of carbon calculators or consultants to convert usage data into CO2 equivalent. The entire carbon footprint measurement is more complex and requires the inclusion of data for Scope 3 emissions, as these are likely to be the largest component of the three scopes (19). Measurement of some Scope 3 emissions is quite straightforward (e.g., employee commute, landfill waste volumes and water use), however, to be complete, medical consumables, chemicals, reagents and other items need to be included. For many of these, there are no published emissions factors, though data from the human health sector may be available (47). More emphasis on LCA by suppliers is required to equip veterinary practices to measure Scope 3 emissions accurately (49). Due to the complexity of data collection and emissions conversion factors, using a carbon auditing consultant is recommended to calculate the entire carbon footprint of a practice. 2.4 Reporting Reporting can be as simple as notifying internal management and the veterinary team to identify areas for reduction. More advanced public reporting either via the practice’s communication channels or via a public register enables amplification of the value of achievements to the client base. There are numerous public registers (45). Registries may be administered by governments, non-government organizations (NGOs) or industry groups and may provide advice on emissions reductions. Reporting to other stakeholders in the value chain is increasingly important (45). As a minimum, Scope 1 and 2 emissions should be reported (19). If only Scope 1 and 2 emissions are measured, it must be clear in any public reporting that Scope 3 emissions are excluded. When Scope 3 emissions are included, calculation of the total carbon footprint to an acceptable international standard, suitable for reporting on a reputable public register, is a more complex task (45, 50). Using the services of a specialist consultant is recommended as process integrity is important to avoid the challenge of making false advertising claims, also known as “greenwashing”. 2.5 Reducing emissions Implementing reduction strategies can be prioritized once emission sources are understood. Specific veterinary emissions reduction strategies have been published by several authors (19, 29, 40, 51). Scope 1 and 2 emissions should be the priority for reduction given they are easily measurable and are under direct control of the business. Many of these emissions have zero-emission options available, often with cost-efficiency gains. One significant industryspecific challenge for Scope 1 reduction in the veterinary sector is to achieve a zero-emission alternative to current anaesthetic gas use (16, 28–30, 52). Scope 3 emissions have some existing solutions, for example, employees could commute by electric vehicles powered by renewable electricity. Other more complex specific veterinary/ medical items such as disposable surgical items, chemical reagents and single-use hospital consumables will require further research and technological advances to find zero-carbon alternatives. While reduction of Scope 3 emissions is a crucial component of achieving Net Zero within the veterinary sector, “greening” of the supply chain goes beyond the responsibility of the end-user and will require collaboration between all stakeholders, including manufacturers and distributors. Models for working with suppliers on integrated solutions within the human health sector, such as the National Health Service (NHS) supplier roadmap, could be adapted for the veterinary sector (49). 1.2 Purchasing carbon credits For the veterinary sector to achieve Net Zero by 2050 some carbon credits will likely need to be purchased to offset emissions that cannot be eliminated. A carbon credit represents one ton of carbon Emission boundary Common examples in the veterinary business Scope 1 Gas/oil heating, combustion engine vehicles owned and used in the business, anaesthetic gas and escaped refrigeration gas Scope 2 Electricity purchased from the grid Scope 3 Waste disposal, water, employee commute, animal cremation, conference travel and expenses, in-house catering, medical consumables and chemicals, external consultants, delivery of supplies TABLE 1 Examples of the three scopes of emissions commonly encountered in veterinary businesses
Vetnuus | June 2025 11 Leading Article removed from the atmosphere. It must be permanent (>100 years), additional (i.e., a new or extra process), verifiable, audited and registered on a public register so it can only be used once. Carbon credits play an important role in reducing atmospheric carbon, supporting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, however, the current market may be subject to irregularities and due diligence is recommended before purchasing (53). Once the carbon footprint has been calculated and audited, quality carbon credits can be purchased to neutralise any remaining emissions and reported on a public registry. 1.3 Advocating and collaborating Publicly promoting the benefits of a sustainability program that includes emissions reduction creates client value. Clients are willing to pay more for services from a practice that has demonstrated sustainability achievements (33). Publicizing progress on sustainability provides leadership to colleagues, team members and clients, and encourages others to join and support the efforts of the business. This can create positive feedback loops. 2. Discussion The veterinary profession is becoming increasingly aware that it will be confronted directly by the impacts of climate change, and that it has an obligation to take meaningful action to help safeguard animal health (8, 9, 17–19). Veterinary practice management is a key stakeholder in this process, as it has the power to provide leadership and allocate appropriate resources to a mitigative response. This perspective identifies how emissions reduction can be achieved by embracing a structured pathway to Net Zero. However, this systematic approach represents a significant shift for many veterinary practices and several knowledge gaps and obstacles must be addressed to ensure its successful deployment. Further research is needed to evaluate the awareness of veterinary management of the rationale for Net Zero and the level of motivation to implement emissions reduction strategies. A greater understanding of mechanisms for promoting participation in, and “ownership” of, a Net Zero pathway by all members of the veterinary team would also be beneficial. The resulting information could be used to design education programs to stimulate business engagement. These could be delivered through existing management information channels such as education institutions, symposia, advocacy groups, professional associations, supply company representatives, publications, social media, and conversations between colleagues (13, 54). Measuring and reporting on emissions are key components of a Net Zero strategy. Time constraints and technical complexity involved in measuring are barriers that could be addressed with the development of software programs that capture and analyze data. This is already occurring in the wider corporate sector (35). Difficulties in measuring Scope 3 items include the lack of data for the life cycle analysis of specific medical products. To address this, stakeholders can organize and collectively lobby manufacturers to undertake life cycle analysis and make the data available to the veterinary sector. Veterinary leadership organizations, such as professional and regulatory bodies, could provide stewardship in this process. Moreover, action towards Net Zero needs to be undertaken at all stages of a product’s life, from manufacture to end use, to ensure that the responsibility for emissions reduction is borne appropriately by all relevant parties. Economic modelling that demonstrates cost savings from supply chain review and integration of green technologies would help justify expenditure on the specialist resources needed for accurate Scope 3 carbon auditing. The long-term challenge with industry-specific veterinary/ medical emissions is to develop zero-carbon alternatives. This will necessitate extensive collaboration. Engaging all stakeholders in the value chain by forming a task force is commonly used by government and industry leadership organizations in other sectors. Again, veterinary leadership organizations could coordinate such initiatives (23). A pathway to zero carbon anaesthesia could be used as a model that could subsequently be applied to other complex emissions (29). Generic carbon registries are available to the veterinary sector, however, there is scope for veterinary professional organizations and regulators to develop a registration body for veterinary businesses to report their carbon footprint. This could provide Net Zero certification by offering carbon credits that benefit animal health, as well as being a conduit for industry-specific emission reduction resources. 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