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First ever vet nurse appointed BSAVA regional chair and council representative
Emma Gerrard (pictured) is a registered animal medicines advisor for companion and farm animals.

Emma Gerrard will represent the views of members in the Cymru/Wales region

The BSAVA has announced that, for the first time ever, a veterinary nurse has been appointed chair of a BSAVA Regional Committee and a council representative.

Emma Gerrard will take over from Kate O'Sullivan as chair of the Cymru/Wales region committee in April 2021. She has been a member of the committee since 2013 and has also served on the BSAVA Membership Development Committee. She also recently became the new Editor of the Pocketbook for Vet Nurses.

Ms Gerrard is a registered animal medicines advisor for companion and farm animals, a clinical coach and a tutor for Oncore.

In her role as a council representative she will ensure the views of members in the Cymru/Wales region are represented in council meetings and in discussions with Trustees and members of the Management Team at Woodrow House.

She said: “Being appointed the first VN Council Representative and Regional Chair is a massive achievement for myself and my nursing colleagues. It hasn’t been possible for a VN to fill a Regional Officer role until now.

“I know how long and hard colleagues have worked in order to make this happen and, for that, I am grateful. As the Committee Chair, I would really like to fly the flag for nurses I hope to inspire and empower nurses to join the Association and illustrate what opportunities are available.” 

BSAVA president Professor Ian Ramsey said: “Nurses have already served the Association with distinction in many of our Committees for several years and this is another step towards recognising the importance of nurses within the veterinary team and therefore within the Association. I look forward to seeing more nurses coming forward to help shape the Association in the future.”

Image (c) BSAVA.

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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.