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BSAVA launches new VN Award
Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards announced

The British Small Animals Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has announced the launch of the BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards. It is the BSAVA's intention that the awards “will be for the motivated nurse in primary care practice who would like to expand their knowledge in a specific field.”

The awards are aimed at those who, while not in the position to commit to diploma-level training, still wish to undertake further study and CPD. The program will consist of a two day course with a practical component, a follow-up one day course a couple of months later, two webinars and an online assessment.

Those who complete the program and assessment in a manner that is deemed satisfactory will receive a certificate and a badge. The programmes do not constitute a formally accredited qualification, but the awards do provide a recognition of interest and expertise in a particular field. The BSAVA hope that nurses would renew their award by short refresher course at five year intervals.

Further information about offered courses and relevant dates will be available online soon. If you would like to find out more about the BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards please email courses@bsava.com

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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. 

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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.