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RVNs could become PSS assessors
vn
Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors.
Nick Stace hints at change during council meeting
 
Veterinary nurses may be recruited as 'assessors' for the revamped Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), it emerged at a recent meeting of the VN Council.

RCVS chief executive Nick Stace said the council could push the college harder on this point, hinting that discussions could take place before the five-year review of the scheme.

The new scheme is set to launch at London Vet Show in November. Among numerous changes, 'assessors' have replaced the 'inspectors' of old.

In recruiting the new team of 18 assessors, Mr Stace said the college has "set a different culture" by appointing those with the right attitude - putting the emphasis on support, rather than bureaucracy.

Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors, though VN Council chair Liz Cox said she has previously called for this to be changed.

Speaking at the meeting in Telford, ahead of BVNA Congress, Liz pointed out that often nurses are in charge of organising scheme membership, yet they are not allowed to become assessors.

This was set for review after the new scheme had been in place for five years, but Mr Stace said during the meeting that it could happen before.

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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.