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Nominations open for AMTRA council representatives
AMTRA is seeking representatives in the RAMA categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice.
The not-for-profit is seeking eight RAMA's to join its board.

Nominations for council representatives on the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) Board have opened.

AMTRA Council advises the board and AMTRA secretariet on various issues affecting Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) and ensures that their voices are represented on the Council.

This year there are eight available seats for council representatives compared to six in previous years. Representatives are elected by Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs) to represent those working in the industry. 

Specifically, AMTRA Council is seeking two RAMAs each representing the categories of farm animal, equine and companion animal practice. The chair of council will also appointing a further four representatives to ensure that all voices and areas of the industry are covered.

John Blackwell, AMTRA vice-chair and AMTRA council chair, commented: “The inclusion of RAMAs who are working ‘on the front line’ is, for me, crucial in formulating strategy and policy, bringing current ideas to the table and helping the Council make good decisions.”

“It’s important that all areas of our industry are represented, and by further increasing the number of RAMAs on council, we are gold-plating and increasing the breadth and depth of the council." 

He added: “We encourage an open flow of communication, in both directions, but there’s scope to make of the role whatever you wish, and RAMAs may have some ideas we haven't thought of,” he adds.

Board members will be required to attend four Zoom meetings per year and to contribute to these in a meaningful way. Representatives may also be required to respond to occasional emails or correspondence from AMTRA staff on various topics.

Nominations should be emailed to stephen@amtra.org.uk with a 250-word explanation to fellow RAMAs about why they believe they are suitable for the role. The closing date for applications is 15 November 2022. 

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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.