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VMD launches survey on disposal of controlled drugs
VMD says there is a shortage of police CDLOs, while practices may struggle to find inspectors or independent vets in close proximity.

Directorate aims to find out extent of disposal problems

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is carrying out a survey to help understand the problems vets face getting controlled drugs witnessed for disposal.

Currently, veterinary surgeons must destroy schedule 2 controlled drugs in the presence of, and directed by, an authorised person.

This could be an inspector appointed under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, a vet who is independent of the practice where destruction is taking place, or a person that is legally authorised to witness the destruction - such as a Police CD Liaison Officer (CDLO).

VMD says there is a shortage of police CDLOs, while practices may struggle to find inspectors or independent vets in close proximity. The directorate is hoping to establish the extent of the problem around the UK to inform future policy.

The survey is open to all UK registered vets until 6 June 2018 and should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.

Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SHKTBYH

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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.