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

BSAVA volunteers recognised for invaluable contributions
"Our wonderful volunteers are at the heart of BSAVA" - Carole Haile, volunteers manager.
“Volunteers Week is a time for us to come together” – Carole Haile. 

The BSAVA has paid tribute to more than 150 volunteers that help to run the association, in roles ranging from student representatives at universities right through its Board of Trustees.

Many of the volunteers form part of BSAVA’s Working Committee, which also covers key elements of the association, including publications, science, education PetSavers management and congress. 

The recognition from Carole Haile, volunteers manager, comes during National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) – a national campaign that celebrates the contribution volunteers make to communities. 

Ms Haile said: “Our wonderful volunteers are the heart of the BSAVA. Each one is an important cog in the larger machine and we would not be able to operate without them. It goes without saying that volunteers have played a key role in the pandemic response and Volunteers' Week is a time for us to come together and thank all our volunteers for their invaluable contribution.”

BSAVA’s Volunteer Development Committee ensures that volunteers are in posts that are of most interest to them. As part of the Committee, BSAVA is rolling out a Volunteer Development Programme to offer training opportunities for all volunteers – enabling them to improve skills that may be of use to them in their everyday work. 

Susan Dawson, chair of the Volunteer Development Committee, said: “I am delighted to be joining the heart of the BSAVA volunteer family as chair of the volunteer development committee. As a past president of the association, I have experienced all the benefits that can be gained from being a BSAVA volunteer - having fun, making friends, and making a difference. 

"I look forward to working with everyone to provide equal opportunities for all our members to become BSAVA volunteers in whatever capacity works best for them.” 

Many volunteers remain with the BSAVA for several years and take on various roles during their time.  To find out more about volunteering opportunities at the BSAVA, contact Carole at volunteer@bsava.com

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.