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VMG Congress 2025 registration opens
Popular returning features include 'kickstart' sessions and a morning 'walkshop'.
It will host three leadership streams.

The Veterinary Management Group (VMG) has welcomed registrations for VMG Congress 2025, which takes place from 24-25 April.

Hosted at Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon, the event will incorporate three streams which focus on different elements of leadership.

The ‘Building Foundations’ stream aims to provide guidance for new and aspiring leaders. It offers insight on the fundamentals of leadership as well as explaining how leaders can set foundations for future success.

‘Expanding Horizons’ is designed for more experienced leaders and explains advanced leadership strategies. It will also discuss some growing industry trends, including ‘quiet quitting’, online misinformation and service expansion.

The ‘Discovering Opportunities’ stream will include the launch of the second edition of the VMG State of UK Veterinary Leadership Report. Following the findings of the first edition, this stream will also feature workshops and panel discussions that explore how the VMG will tackle knowledge gaps in veterinary leadership.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Calvin Akotuah, the co-founder of Loud Speaker.

Loud Speaker, which was a finalist in the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards, holds life skills workshops for young people across the UK. In his speech, Mr Akotuah will discuss resilience, motivation and how managers can contribute to positive change.

Other popular features returning include the VMG’s early ‘kickstart’ sessions and a morning ‘walkshop’ along the bank of the River Avon, hosted in collaboration with Art of Brilliance.

As part of its commitment to future leaders, the VMG has this year introduced the discounted ‘Aspiring Leader’ package, which invites delegates to bring a colleague who they believe has leadership potential. Similarly, a new startup exhibitor package will offer new opportunities for new and emerging businesses.

Liz Somerville, VMG president, said: “Today’s veterinary leaders, whether experienced or just setting out on their journey, face numerous challenges – but ours is a collaborative profession, always ready to support and guide one another.

“VMG Congress will showcase the very best of leadership in our profession today and offer two days of learning, sharing and inspiration to all.”

Tickets are available here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.