Letters at the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. Professor Allbutt can hardly have had in mind such an appointment but it demonstrates the potential of interdisciplinary studies. A. C. Palmer, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES e-mail: [email protected]

References

ANON (1999) University of Cambridge: the veterinary school 50th anniversary brochure. University of Cambridge Press PALMER, A. C. (2014) The Cambridge Society for the Study of Comparative Medicine 1957-1992: an exercise in ‘One Medicine’. Veterinary History (In press)

doi: 10.1136/vr.g2786

DAIRY PRODUCTION

Milk withdrawal periods in dairy cows THERE is some confusion among farmers and some vets about milk withdrawal periods for off-label treatment (also referred to as ‘cascade use’) or where combinations of antibiotics are administered. Off-label treatment is where there is any deviation from the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)/datasheet, such as increasing the frequency or duration of treatment or increasing the dose rate. With off-label treatment, the statutory minimum milk withdrawal period must be observed which is a minimum of seven days for milk; however, it may be longer if considered necessary in the judgement of the veterinary surgeon. There are three possible withdrawal periods when antibiotics are used in combination following SPC/datasheet recommendations. These are: n  When a licensed antibiotic or combination of antibiotics is used the milk withdrawal period set out in the SPC/ datasheet applies. n  Where two different active ingredient antibiotics are given and where there is no contraindication for their use together, then the longest of the two milk withdrawal periods should apply. n  Where two antibiotics are administered with the same active antibiotic (ie, an intramammary and injectable) and where the authorisation does not specify that both can be given together, the prescribing vet should set the milk withdrawal period, which will be a minimum of seven days as set out by the cascade. Clarification of this should be helpful to 412 | Veterinary Record | April 19, 2014

minimise the risk of any bulk tank antibiotic residue failure. Peter Edmondson, Arla Foods UK, Arla House, 4 Savannah Way, Leeds Valley Park, Leeds LS10 1AB e-mail: [email protected] doi: 10.1136/vr.g2788

RESEARCH

DNA analysis for juvenile kidney disease in boxers THE health committee of the UK Boxer Breed Council is collecting buccal swabs for DNA analysis from cases of juvenile kidney disease in boxer dogs. The Animal Health Trust has agreed, with the help of the council’s finances, to set up a gene test for this condition if enough samples and controls can be collected. If any colleagues have clients who have a young boxer dog under three years of age with elevated blood urea, creatinine and phosphate levels, which also presents with excessive thirst and urinary incontinence, could they please contact me at the address below. Walker Miller, Academy Veterinary Centre, 6 Academy Street, Stranraer, Wigtownshire DG9 7DR e-mail: [email protected] doi: 10.1136/vr.g2786

VBF

VBF board election MEMBERS of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund are invited to apply to serve on its board. The VBF is the sole charity devoted to providing personal health, welfare and, where appropriate, financial support to veterinary professionals through Vet Helpline, the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme, a benevolent fund and the Vetlife website. The VBF is independent of all other veterinary organisations and is managed by a board of 12 elected directors, all of whom are veterinary surgeons. The charity employs a full time administration manager and a part-time administration assistant. In addition, although the VBF is independent of the BVA, the BVA’s head of finance is appointed as the VBF company secretary.

At the next AGM, on July 17, there will be an election for five directors, with one of the current directors standing for re-election. Applications must be supported by a proposer, who should also be a member of the VBF. Applications from younger members of the profession, as well as those with wide experience and knowledge of managing business finance, will be welcomed. Any veterinary surgeon wishing to stand who is not an existing VBF member will be required to become one before applying. Directors must have a commitment to the charitable objectives of the VBF, be willing to devote time to the fund and to developing an interest in all aspects of the charity. Directors are asked to scrutinise and comment on papers and to attend up to four board meetings in London each year. They are expected to be ambassadors for the VBF and will be asked to represent the fund at meetings or conferences and to take on a specific area of management responsibility. This is a wonderful opportunity for those in our profession, who feel inclined to do so, to give a great deal back to others, who find themselves in a less fortunate situation. Applicants should apply in writing (no more than one side of A4) giving a brief summary of past experience that might be relevant to the charity, and the name and address of a proposer who can be contacted as a referee. Applications should be sent by e-mail to Vanessa Kearns at [email protected], or by post to VBF Office, 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ. They should arrive before noon on Friday, May 30, 2014. Confirmation of receipt will be sent. Further information is available from the VBF office and further information about the charity can be viewed at www.vetlife.org.uk. By applying, applicants will be deemed to be declaring that they are a ‘fit and proper person’ as defined in HM Revenue and Customs guidance (www.hmrc.gov.uk/ charities/guidance). John Moffitt, Honorary Secretary, VBF, 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ e-mail: [email protected] doi: 10.1136/vr.g2797

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