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Vets Express Gratitude for Work of Vet Nurses
Noel Fitzpatrick
BVNA Congress draws attention to crucial work of veterinary nurses. 

The annual congress of the British Veterinary Nursing Association draws to its conclusion today, after three days of quality CPD, workshops, exhibitions and socials.

Yesterday saw a wide range of events including the BVNA award ceremony, which was opened by Noel Fitzpatrick, the “bionic vet.” In an engaging address to the delegates, he made a heartfelt declaration of gratitude to the role of the veterinary nurse in the care of animals, the support of veterinary surgeons and the running of the practice.

He drew attention to the “hundreds” of jobs vet nurses perform in the surgery which he, as the surgeon, “cannot do” and stressed that without nurses, vets would be incapable of working.

Similarly, Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association visited Congress on Saturday and expressed his admiration for the BVNA.

He commented: “BVNA have matured into a serious representative body and BVA are proud to support them.”

Congress has been running since Friday 7th October and the last lectures will end this afternoon, Sunday 9th October.

The Kettering Conference Centre in Northamptonshire has been host to hundreds of delegates from all over the UK attending the 38th annual BVNA Congress.

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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
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.