Paragon Veterinary Group in Cumbria is a founder member of VetSalus, which is taking a proactive approach to sustainability in veterinary practice. Paragon employs a team of 25 veterinary surgeons, 6 nurses, 15 vet technicians and a large business support team working from 3 sites. The practice features farm, companion animal, equine and advanced breeding divisions and each contributes to the development of a more sustainable business.

Every veterinary practice is unique! Some are large, some small. Many focus on a limited group of animal species while others are general practices. But one thing that they all have in common is a growing awareness of the need to practise more sustainably.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of the New Zealand economy and ruminant based agriculture, particularly dairy, makes up the largest single component. As a direct result of this, methane emissions from ruminants contribute around one third of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing these emissions is critical to New Zealand meeting its international targets but doing so comes with a considerable risk of damaging the economy.

Our Managing Director, David Black is also a Director and current Treasurer of Vet Sustain, as well as being a working vet and Managing Director of Paragon Veterinary Group in Cumbria. So with his various hats he has had a very busy few weeks talking about aspects of veterinary sustainability both in person and virtually.

Agri-Vet, which is a supplement to Agri-business, an important contributor to New Zealand's agricultural journalism, recently published an article on VetSalus. Based upon interview with our chair, Lewis Griffiths, the article outlines current achievements and aspirations for the organisation, which is steadily growing its influence and activities. VetSalus is now developing its presence in New Zealand.