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Vetlife seeks volunteers to help deliver financial aid
Last year, the charity provided over £100k in financial support.
The charity needs new area reps in three regions.

Vetlife is urgently seeking volunteers to help it deliver financial support to those who need it in the veterinary community.

The charity is looking for new area representatives for London, Northern Ireland, and the South East. The role involves working with new applicants and existing beneficiaries of Vetlife Financial Support to understand their circumstances and make sure they receive the right level of support.

Vetlife provides both initial training for its area representatives and annual on-going training for those already in the role. Current volunteers come from a range of veterinary backgrounds, including veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.

In 2023, the scheme provided more than £100k in aid to individuals and their dependants in the veterinary community. The support includes emergency assistance, regular monthly grants, and one-off gifts.

John Chitty, honorary secretary and chair of Vetlife Financial Support, said: “With a growing number of applicants for financial assistance, Vetlife has never had more need of area reps performing their essential role.

“Working on the ‘front line’ our reps work directly with beneficiaries and provide much needed support and assistance to vets and nurses in genuine financial, emotional and health need.”

Vetlife area representative Jim Kellow added: “I have been an area rep since 2020 and feel privileged to have been able to communicate with, and help, those that have found themselves in financial difficulties.

“The role doesn't demand too much of my time and as a result I feel I can genuinely help. The support for me in this role has been excellent.”

More information about the role, including how to apply, can be found on the Vetlife website.

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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.