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Practice Manager of the Year is announced
Practice Manager of the Year Sharon Lane-Kieltyka and VPMA president Helen Sanderson

VPMA member wins prestigious award

A member of the Veterinary Practice Management Association has been awarded the prestigious title of Practice Manager of the Year at the recent Petplan Awards held in Birmingham.

Sharon Lane-Kieltyka from Shepton Veterinary Group, Somerset, received a year’s free membership to the association, with funded CPD and regional support, access to the active e-group and forums and other member benefits, as well as her all important trophy.

Keen to acknowledge the team effort that went into her achievement, Sharon said: “This award is not just recognition for what I have done but what the practice team as a whole has achieved over the last couple of years. I feel very proud to work for Shepton Vets and am extremely grateful for the support I get from staff and directors alike. Hopefully in the future there will be more awards to come for other members of the practice!”

Past President Pauline Graham, who was part of the judging panel, presented Sharon with her accolade. Pauline commented, “Sharon is a very deserving winner – and it’s so lovely that she’s been rewarded for her hard work behind the scenes in running her practice. VPMA is very much about supporting and learning from one another, and the association looks forward to hearing more from Sharon on best management practice.”

 

 

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.