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RCVS shares first findings from VN Vision study
Veterinary nurses were asked what role they wanted to play in the future of veterinary care.

The project has heard what RVNs and SVNs want for the future.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has released findings from the first stage of its VN Vision project.

Its report reveals what registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and student veterinary nurses (SVNs) want for the future of veterinary healthcare, and what role they want veterinary nurses to play in it.

The first stage of the initiative has involved 14 sessions, both in-person and online, during which RVNs and SVNs were invited to share their views on the future of veterinary care. The discussions sought to gain a range of perspectives and asked respondents to keep an open mind.

The discussions focused on two questions: ‘What does the veterinary nursing profession want the future of veterinary healthcare to look like?’ and ‘What role will veterinary nurses play in shaping this future?’.

RCVS’ new report, which was published online this week, reveals the common themes raised in these discussions. Among the topics featured were responsibility and autonomy, recognition from colleagues and the general public, and improved career progression.

The analysis of these findings could inform how veterinary healthcare could be used to maximise efficiency and enhance RVNs' job satisfaction.

The VN Vision project forms part of the wider VN Futures initiative, a joint endeavour with the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). Launched in 2016, VN Futures aims to conduct an exploration into what veterinary nurses want from their futures.

The next project from VN Vision has been titled ‘A vision or a necessity: strengthening the role of veterinary nurses in team-based veterinary healthcare’.

Launching in the next few weeks, the events will explore how veterinary nurses can be integrated into multidisciplinary teams and why this is important, The sessions will open to all members of the veterinary team, with dates to be announced.

Julie Dugmore, RCVS director of veterinary nursing, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has taken valuable time out of their busy schedules to input into this vital project.

“Your involvement has made a real difference and we look forward to engaging with many more veterinary professionals as we continue working together bring our shared vision for a thriving future to life.”

The first VN Vision report can be read 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.