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BSAVA awards 2026 open for entries
Entries are open until 9 January 2026.

The awards celebrate unsung heroes within the veterinary profession.

Nominations for the 2026 BSAVA awards are now open.



Eight award categories are available this year, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to veterinary science, research, clinical practice, education and small animal welfare.



Entries are open until 9 January 2026, and nominations are welcome from both BSAVA members and non-members. 



BSAVA honorary secretary Adam Gow said: “Each year, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on individuals who have truly made a difference in our profession. Nominating a colleague is a meaningful way to show appreciation and celebrate the impact they’ve had, so we encourage everyone to get involved and put forward those who inspire them.”



The 2026 BSAVA Award categories are:
    •    The Bourgelat Award - For outstanding international contribution to small animal practice or science in their widest context.
    •    The Simon Award - Recognising contributions to the advancement of all aspects of small animal surgery.
    •    The Woodrow Award - For significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine.
    •    The Des Thompson Award - New for 2026, this award recognises individuals who have had a significant impact upon general practice and/or their community.
    •    The Blaine Award - For contributions to the advancement of all aspects of non‑client facing small animal veterinary medicine.
    •    The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Award - Recognising outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary nursing.
    •    The Ray Butcher Award - For a non-veterinary individual who has been an ‘unsung hero’ by making a significant contribution to animal welfare in the community.
    •    The J.A. Wight Memorial Award - For a qualified veterinarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of companion animals. Presented by the Blue Cross.

Find full details and nomination forms at bsava.com/awards

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.