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RVC professor wins animal research award
Professor Wells recieved the honour at the annual Openess Awards in London.

Dominic Wells awarded for ‘outstanding contribution to openness’

RVC Professor Dominic Wells has been presented with a prestigious award for ‘outstanding contribution to openness in animal research’.

Professor Wells received the honour at the annual Openness Awards in London on Tuesday (3 December), hosted by Understanding Animal Research (UAR). The “UAR Individual Award” was given to Dominic Wells in recognition of his ‘outstanding’ work within the sector to promote the responsible use of animals.

Professor Wells said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award from Understanding Animal Research and am grateful for the support I have received from the RVC. My contribution to the sector stems from a true passion for animal research and it is an honour to be recognised in this way.”

Professor Wells was nominated for his numerous contributions to the UAR, including regular discussions with the media, MPs and other stakeholders on the use of animals in research. His nominators also praised his roles as chair of the Animal Sciences Group at the Royal Society of Biology, and co-chair of the UK Bioscience Sector Coalition.

The UAR Openness Awards celebrate the achievements of the sector in honouring their commitment to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research. The awards seek to recognise those who have championed openness on animal research over the years and continue to do so.

This year, the UAR Individual Award was also presented to Val Summers from the Laboratory Animal Science Association. In a Tweet, Understanding Animal Research praised Ms Summers ‘for going ‘above and beyond in her work, ensuring that public and media engagement around #animalresearch is at the top of the agenda.’

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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.