Trends in practice performance, 2000-2005

THE BVA, in conjunction with the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and the Veterinary Practice Management Association, has been running a quarterly financial survey of veterinary practices since 2000. There are now six full years of data to draw upon, revealing interesting trends. This period saw the devastating foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in 2001, with its impact on mixed practice economics, further changes in agricultural practice, and implementation of the recommendations from the Marsh and Competition Commission inquiries on the supply of veterinary medicines. Seeing the economic trends in practices across the country helps the BVA to assess the true impact of these events.