Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

BVA announces annual photography competition
The categories include companion animal photography and wildlife photography.
Categories include 'a vet's life in lockdown' and 'happy pets that make us smile'.

The BVA has launched its annual photography competition, with a £250 John Lewis voucher for the winners and a chance for the images to go on display at BVA Live.

BVA's Veterinary Photographer of the Year Award is split into three categories, focussing on images that capture the human-animal bond in everyday veterinary work, as well as companion animal and wildlife photography. 

Last year's winners include Laura Caballero Pastor, who scooped first place in the 'One Veterinary Community' category with her shot of Nepalese locals vaccinating a street dog against rabies. Jennifer Dykes won the ‘All creatures great and small’ category with her picturesque image of a misty UK mountainside and flock of sheep.

No expensive photography equipment is required as submissions for each category can be shot on a mobile phone or a high-spec camera. The three categories are:
  • a vet’s life in lockdown - Images that reflect the extraordinary circumstances we have all been thrust into during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
  • all creatures great and small - An opportunity to look at the vast diversity of the animal kingdom: domestic, agricultural and all aspects of wildlife.
  • happy pets that make us smile - Reflecting the joy of a happy, contented animal. 
BVA President, James Russell said: “The BVA Veterinary Photographer of the Year Award is something that we all look forward to, and the incredible array of eye-catching photos taken by people from across the veterinary community never ceases to impress me.

“In view of the current circumstances, we have introduced a new category: ‘A vet’s life in lockdown’, which we hope will produce some interesting documentation of how the profession has fared against a very challenging backdrop, like no other. 

“Now in its fifth year, the competition always attracts high quality, diverse and often poignant imagery. I am very excited to be part of the judging panel and to have the opportunity to see the amazing images submitted this year.

“Whether you’re a semi-professional photographer or a casual snapper, we encourage you to enter and showcase your daily interactions with animals either at work or play, or your skill at capturing wildlife at its most beautiful, even if it is in your back garden, or on the windowsill.”

The competition is open to all current BVA members and will be judged by BVA officers among others. Entries will close on 8 March 2021 with the winners announced in April. 

Because of the current national lockdowns, BVA is reminding entrants not to breach any guidelines just to get ‘the perfect shot’. Photos that are taken around the home, garden and local area are encouraged. Photographs from the past will also be accepted.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.