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New BSAVA president to build on virtual congress success
Dr Sheldon Middleton has been appointed president of the BSAVA for 2021/22.
Dr Sheldon Middleton plans to shape Congress 2022 into ‘the ultimate veterinary get-together’.

The new president of the British Veterinary Association (BSAVA) plans to build on the success of the recent BSAVA Virtual Congress to shape his presidential year.

Dr Sheldon Middleton, who took over the role from Professor Ian Ramsey on Thursday (22 April), is managing director of RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd and principal at Acorn House Veterinary Hospital in Bedford. 

A graduate of Cambridge University, he has a particular interest and a GP Certificate in ophthalmology and has been a member of the BSAVA Board for the past five years.

Dr Middleton said his goal is to shape Congress 2022 into ‘the ultimate veterinary get-together’ as the country begins to recover from the pandemic. 

“We intend to build on this for BSAVA Congress 2022 by deploying a cleverly blended format to retain the high degree of accessibility and flexibility that delegates have so enjoyed this year,” he said. “We will be releasing further details on BSAVA Congress 2022 in the early summer.” 

Dr Middleton also plans to focus on BSAVA’s support for the small animal veterinary community as it emerges from the pandemic.

“The profession has shown incredible resilience and dynamism in responding to the changing demands of our patients,” he continued. “But we need to be careful that this is not at the expense of our own wellbeing. BSAVA’s community support, practical education and science resources and leadership are all there to support the profession as it pivots to a new way of working.” 

Professor Ian Ramsey wished Dr Middleton success in his presidential year. He commented: “With our plans for BSAVA Congress 2022 already significantly underway and our commitment to returning to a face-to-face event in Manchester in March, Sheldon has an exciting year ahead.”

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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.