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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
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.