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Most vets prefer to buy British meat and fish
Raw meat
Nine in 10 veterinary surgeons would be more likely to buy meat, dairy, eggs or fish if it was either British or locally sourced.

BVA survey reveals that vets vote British when it comes to buying produce

British veterinary surgeons care about where their fish, meat eggs and dairy products come from, with an overwhelming majority buying British - a survey by the the BVA has revealed.

The BVA has released statistics from its Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey to coincide with the launch of British Food Fortnight (September 20 to October 5, 2014). The survey reveals that nine in 10 veterinary surgeons would be more likely to buy meat, dairy, eggs or fish if it was either British (90 per cent) or locally sourced (88 per cent).

The survey also revealed that seven in 10 veterinary surgeons actively seek out information about the origin of their food before choosing where to eat or by making a purchase, by checking labels or asking in restaurants. Some practitioners questioned specified that they only buy their meat from sources they trust while others have their own livestock.

Robin Hargreaves, president of the BVA, commented: "These results show how much British vets understand and care about the importance of animal welfare and food safety, and how that affects the food we put on our plates.

"In Britain, we have some of the highest animal welfare and food hygiene standards in the world. Our members play a vital role in maintaining  those standards, from production animal vets working closely with farmers to vets working in food production who ensure the safety and quality of the food we eat.

This experience and knowledge is reflected in what vets choose to eat themselves. It is clear from the survey that when it comes to choosing meat, fish, dairy, or eggs, vets vote British." 

For more information about the survey, go to http://www.bva.co.uk/voice/.

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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.