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BVNA Congress 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19
The 47th BVNA Congress has been cancelled.
Organisers planning a virtual event in celebration of the veterinary nursing profession.

The British Veterinary Association (BVNA) has announced that the 47th BVNA Congress will not be taking place this year.

The announcement follows concerns raised in recent weeks by BVNA members, exhibitors and speakers about health and safety if they attended the event. Other said that their employers were not allowing them to travel to external events until after Christmas.

In a statement posted on its website, BVNA said that the final decision was founded on uncertainty facing large-scale events due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, as well as the health risks to BVNA members, speakers, staff and public.

But it is not all bad news. Congress organisers are planning a virtual event in celebration of both the BVNA and the veterinary nursing profession! More details are expected to be announced soon, but the programme is already set to include first-class keynote speakers, interactive workshops, live interviews, virtual networking and event social quizzes.

“This is the first time that the BVNA have not been able to hold our congress and it was an exceptionally sad decision to have to make, however, it is vital that we play our part in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and put public safety first,” commented BVNA president, Jo Hinde.

“However, we cannot let the occasion pass without marking it hence offering a weekend that celebrates all things vet nurse! Our congress has always been about more than just high-quality CPD; it’s where the BVNA family get together with friends – old and new.”

She continued: “We understand just how isolated and exhausted the veterinary community are feeling right now, and how this has negatively affected individual’s mental health. As such, we want to provide an online space to facilitate those catch-ups, hear from inspiring speakers and most of all…have fun!

“I am very excited about the new event and hope vet nurses and the wider veterinary community can join us for what promises to be a fabulous time."

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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.