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Central Qualifications approved for End-Point Assessments
EPAs were introduced by the Institute of Apprenticeships following a review of apprenticeship standards.
Final examination ensures veterinary nursing apprentices are occupationally competent

Central Qualifications (CQ) has become the first awarding body to be approved to run End-Point Assessments (EPAs) for student veterinary nurses.

The organisation said that, upon successful completion of the EPA, apprentices enrolled on the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing will be awarded the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN) and can subsequently join the RCVS register.

CQ director Jacqui Garrett commented: “Apprenticeships have been the cornerstone of veterinary nurse training for several years and Central Qualifications is pleased to support Colleges and employers with their training programmes.”

EPAs were introduced by the Institute of Apprenticeships following a review of apprenticeship standards.

To meet the VN Apprenticeship Standard, each student is required to have the knowledge, skills and professional attributes required to become a veterinary nurse. Typically, students will spend 30 to 36 months working towards the apprenticeship standard, followed by their EPA.

For further information about the CQ Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, email enquiries@cqual.org 

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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. 

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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.