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BVNA appoints new strategic director
“I have been impressed for many years with the vital role veterinary nurses play within the care team."
Robin Millar joins team as part of governance review 

Suffolk county councillor Robin Millar has been appointed the BVNA’s new strategic director, following a recent governance restructure.

Over the past 18 months, the BVNA’s governance has undergone significant changes. Members were updated at the association’s recent AGM, held at BVNA Congress on 8 October.

Fiona Andrew told members that the governance review aimed to reduce managerial burden on the president and officers. During the review, the BVNA sought external help from Kingfisher HR and Millar Consulting, of which Mr Millar is director.

The new role of strategic director was created to help with the long-term strategy for BVNA as a business. Mr Millar took up the role on 1 November.

BVNA president Wendy Nevins said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Robin to the team at BVNA. Council recognised that this position is important to our future plans and positioning for the challenges ahead. I have every confidence Robin’s appointment strengthens the BVNA as a consistently strong representative body for veterinary nurses across the UK, now and also for the future.”

Mr Millar is currently a cabinet member for families and communities at Suffolk County Council, and deputy leader for families and communities at Forest Heath District Council. His company, Millar Consulting, works with local authorities, health bodies and housing associations to rethink their approaches, reduce service costs and transform outcomes. He also co-founded the Newmarket Festival CIC, which raises funds to support young people in Newmarket.

Commenting on his appointment he said: “I have been impressed for many years with the vital role veterinary nurses play within the care team. The BVNA also sets a great example of how to support, promote and represent its members. I am excited to be asked to help the BVNA deliver on their Members’ ambitions and help them tackle the many challenges that lie ahead."

Other changes to come from the BVNA’s governance review were a restructuring of admin support staff and updating of the articles of association. BVNA also signed a memorandum of understanding with the BVA, allowing them to offer a joint voice in raising awareness of animal welfare issues.

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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.