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Livestock and Global Poverty
Photo by Tadelle Dessie
Vets highlight the role of livestock and livestock keepers in the fight against global poverty.

Sunday 18 April 2010 was World Poverty Day, a day when the main political parties in the United Kingdom addressed world poverty issues and the role of international development. It was also a day when vets were keen to encourage policy makers to highlight the role of livestock and livestock keepers in the fight against global poverty.

The control of animal diseases is an essential component in the fight against poverty.
Tess Sprayson, the UK Councillor on the CVA and member of the BVA Overseas Group said: “Livestock play an important part in the lives of 630 million of the world’s poorest people not only as food supply but as a source of income and as generators of employment. They also provide key functions in crop production as draught animals, their manure is used as a crop fertiliser as well for fuel and biogas, and grazing animals are used for weed control.

Photo by Ashley Banyard.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, added: “The control of animal diseases is an essential component in the fight against poverty. On a daily basis throughout the world the veterinary profession plays a vital role in contributing to the public good by working with livestock keepers to control disease and promote sustainable animal and public health.”

In stressing the importance of livestock in the fight against global poverty, Tess Sprayson emphasised: “The culture of livestock keeping has strength and meaning in every region of the world. The fact remains that livestock are the means by which millions of disadvantaged people around the world, quite literally, stay alive and international development policies need to reflect this fact.”

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk