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Animal charity marks 35 years with thought-provoking debates
Chair of trustees Chris Laurence addressed delegates at the AWF Discussion Forum in London.

Event brings together experts from across the profession 

The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) has marked 35 years with a day of thought-provoking debates and inspiring discussions.

More than 200 delegates from across the veterinary, academic and animal welfare sectors met in London on 12 June to exchange views on some of the most pressing issues affecting animal welfare.  Topics included the role of insurance in impacting pets’ quality of life, human behaviour change to improve animal welfare and pre-purchase consultations for prospective pet owners.

Addressing the audience, AWF Chair of Trustees Chris Laurence said: “What unites all of us here at the conference is our concern for animal welfare. Through the Discussion Forum, we debate difficult issues and explore new ways in which the veterinary profession might use its position and influence for a broader public understanding of animal welfare.

“The human-animal relationship is changing, bringing new dynamics to animal welfare and challenging the way the veterinary profession uses the broad range of skills of modern vets and nurses. For vets to become leaders in preventative care means learning new skills and balancing their technical ability with the welfare of their patients.”

During the event, BVA president John Fishwick updated the audience on the organisation’s recent campaign successes on Brexit-related animal welfare issues.

“With less than a year to go before Brexit, it is important that we continue to raise awareness around the vital role the veterinary profession plays in upholding animal welfare and to ensure that vets’ voices are heard in new legislation introduced in this area,” he said. “I was very pleased to have the opportunity to share BVA’s ongoing work at this exceptional conference.”

The event was followed by a joint BVA and AWF reception at the House of Commons, hosted by Neil Parish MP.

Image (C) AWF

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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.