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‘Hot topic’ sessions announced for BVA Live
"These 'hot topic' sessions are bound to be a highlight for every vet professional" - Malcolm Morley
Veterinary professionals invited to join the debate.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released the details for BVA Live, being held in Birmingham on Thursday, 11 May and Friday, 12 May. The programme includes debates on some of the hottest topics currently facing the profession, and veterinary professionals are invited to share their views.

Taking place in the Interactive Zone, the debates will be led by BVA president Malcolm Morley, senior vice president Justine Shotton and junior vice president Anna Judson.

The topics to be debated are:
  • What if vets trained to practise in only one species group? We debate the hypothetical ramifications to a change in veterinary training. How would single species qualifications change the face of the profession?
  • What if UK dog imports were banned? With some charities already calling for tighter restrictions to protect the domestic dog population, their owners and vets from imported disease risks, we’ll explore the potential impact of an outright ban.
  • What is the role of vets in maintaining the social licence of animal sport? Speakers and attendees will discuss the ethical and practical role of vets in animal support and consider whether the time has come for the profession to reconsider its involvement.
Malcolm Morley, BVA president said: “These ‘hot topic’ sessions are bound to be a highlight for every vet professional with an interest in the issues facing the profession today.

“From specialisation in the profession, to dog imports and the ethical challenges around animal sport, they offer a chance to step outside of our daily work and dig deep into these contentious issues.

“Some people come with a soapbox, while others come to listen, but the informal setting means that on the day everyone becomes a part of the discussion and debate.”

The two day event offers 17 hours of CPD, and the full programme can be viewed online.

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.