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Conference to examine OV role in a post-Brexit world
"My experiences over the last year have made me even more proud to be part of the veterinary profession" - Andrew Soldan, APHA veterinary director.
Event will discuss all aspects of the role and where it is headed

The role of Official Veterinarians (OVs) and the challenges they face in a post-Brexit world are set to go under the spotlight at this year’s virtual OV Conference.

Run in association with the APHA, the OV Conference is the UK’s only event dedicated to the CPD needs of OVs. This year’s event will take place over three days (28-30 September), and promises more than 18 hours of lectures and Q&A sessions from leading speakers.

“During this year, the realities of our post-Brexit world have started to reveal themselves while we have endured another lockdown before finally starting to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Sue Hay, head of OV Training at Improve International, which organises the event.

“Throughout the year, OVs have shown huge commitment in working through the eye of the storm. But, while there have been many challenges, there have also been areas of opportunity and the potential for positive change. We look forward to discussing all aspects of the OV’s role and where it’s headed following this extraordinary year during the 2021 OV Conference.”

Among the speakers named for this year's event include BVA President James Russell, Ian Wright, head of the European Scientific Counsel of Companion Animal Parasites UK & Ireland, and Dr Sam Holland, veterinary head of exotics and welfare. Former APHA director Simon Hall will share practical experience from his current role as an export OV.

 “My experiences over the last year have made me even more proud to be part of the veterinary profession, " commented Andrew Soldan, APHA veterinary director. "The role of vets, especially Official Vets, has never been very prominent in our national life...I hope that the OV conference will help you carry out this vital work to the best of your abilities.”

Early Bird tickets for the annual conference are available at officialvet.com

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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.