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BSAVA president to brave charity wing walk
BSAVA president Julian Hoad will be dressed in a full Cheshire cat onesie for his wing-walking challenge. 
Julian Hoad will take flight dressed as a Cheshire cat.

BSAVA president Julian Hoad is set to take to the skies in a daring charity wing walk for BSAVA PetSavers.

Julian, who will be donning a Cheshire cat onesie for the challenge, will secured to the top of a vintage biplane on Thursday, 29 May in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. 

The bold adventure marks the end of Julian’s presidential year, and is all in the name of raising funds for BSAVA PetSaver’s groundbreaking research. 

So far, the charity has invested over £2.7 million into diseases affecting companion animals, including cancer, heart conditions, gastrointestinal issues, neurological and joint disorders, and many more.

Reflecting on his challenge, Julian said: "Every day, vets face the heart-wrenching task of managing the distress and pain our pets suffer due to disease or poor health.

“With your support, we can ensure that they have access to the latest knowledge and resources needed to provide the best care possible.”

He added: “The need for advanced research is more pressing than ever and our pets deserve every chance at a healthy life. If dressing up as a cat and flying on the wing of a plane makes people take notice of the vital need for pet health research, then it will be worth it.”

Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “No one has ever been quite so daring in their fundraising efforts for us, so we are thrilled that Julian has decided to take this on to raise awareness and funds for BSAVA PetSavers.

“For every grant application that we fund, at least two or more are declined due to lack of funds. Fundraising events like this helps to land more funding in the hands of researchers who make a real difference in the veterinary community and directly impact the lives of countless pets and their families.”

At the time of writing, Julian has raised £524 of his £1,000 target. To donate to his challenge, visit his Just Giving page.

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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.