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Maintaining the momentum
Helen Tottey RVN
Throughout the protect the VN title campaign, Helen actively promoted the petition via social media.

VN Council candidate shares her hopes for more unity in practice

Earlier this year the veterinary industry expressed its disappointment to Defra's announcement that it will not be introducing new legislation to protect the title of 'veterinary nurse'.

One of the most active supporters of the protect the title campaign was VN Council candidate, Helen Tottey.

Throughout the campaign, Helen actively promoted the petition via social media and managed to get an article in her local paper. The year before, she even managed to get BVNA Congress mentioned on BBC Radio 2 during the Chris Evans Breakfast Show - so it’s safe to say that she is not afraid to speak out for nurses.

“I got quite close to getting the VN story onto the One Show when I spoke to Gyles Brandreth at the Pet Plan Vet awards,” said Helen. “He emailed me to say he took the story to the editors but unfortunately nothing came of it – yet!”

To read our full interview with Helen, visit vetcommunity.com.

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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.