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Independent practice wins Practice of the Year
House & Jackson says it is 'proud' to have remained independent.
House & Jackson called the award an ‘enormous compliment’.

House & Jackson, an independent veterinary practice in Essex, has been named Practice of the Year at the Petplan Veterinary Awards.

The practice said it was ‘absolutely wonderful’ to win the accolade, having been nominated for the award by its clients.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Petplan Veterinary Awards, which received 38,000 nominations from clients and veterinary staff. House & Jackson was selected as one of three finalists, before being named Practice of the Year at a ceremony in Manchester.

The equine and small animal practice began in 1980 as a husband-and-wife team operating out of their own home.

It has since developed into an RCVS-accredited hospital, with two additional Pet Clinics nearby.

Throughout its history House & Jackson says it is ‘proud’ to have remained independent, and to have succeeded against corporate-owned competitors. The award-winning practice is a member of the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), a community of independent practices which support each other to thrive in a challenging industry climate.

House & Jackson attributes its success to its ‘wonderfully talented’ veterinary surgeons and nurses, as well as an ‘incredible’ team of support staff.

It says that its passion and commitment to animals has rewarded the practice with loyal clients.

Following its win the practice has said that it will continue to provide its clients and patients with the best possible care, while extending the work it does with local charities RSPCA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary.

The practice maintains that customer service remains its focus, as it continues to improve customer experience.

A spokesperson for House & Jackson said: “We wholeheartedly embrace being an independent practice; it allows us to take our own path, and we believe it makes us that little bit more special.

“We didn’t set out to win this award, but being recognised by our clients and the Petplan panel in this way is an enormous compliment. Other independents should feel equally empowered by their individuality.”

Image © Petplan

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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...
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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.