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Launch of new nursing qualifications
CQ announces new courses for veterinary nurses

The launch of two new veterinary nursing qualifications has been announced by nationally recognised awarding body, Central Qualifications (CQ),

Both courses - the Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants (DipVNA) and the Level 2 Diploma in Animal Nursing (DipAN) are now available for delivery in the academic year 2013/14.

The DipVNA can be taken on its own or as part of the Level 2 Nursing Assistants in a Veterinary Environment Apprenticeship Framework.

The diploma consists of eight units covering animal anatomy and physiology, the principles of animal handling and care and key administrative skills. Students can progress to the DipAN as well as the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN).

For those wishing to pursue a career in animal nursing, the DipAN includes the principles of supporting the care of hospitalised animals, medicine supply, diagnostics and emergency care, as well as providing practical skills in client care, communication and managing working relationships.

After completing the thirteen Level 2 units and five Level 3 units, students can progress from this course to the DipVN.

Both courses are now available from CQ approved centres and can be undertaken on a full or part-time basis.

For further information on courses, visit the CQ website.

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New nursing course to launch
Colleges adopt CQ VN qualifications

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.