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Climate change linked to livestock diseases
Conference warned on outbreak frequency

The Farm Cutting Carbon Toolkit Conference was told yesterday (Monday 27th February) that outbreaks of disease such as the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) and Bluetongue would become more frequent unless the effects of climate change were urgently arrested.

Chief Advisor on Renewable Energy and Climate Change for the National Farmer's Union (NFU) Dr Jonathan Scurlock told those attending that the warmer climate meant that virus-carrying midges were 'thriving'. Dr Scurlock also added that drought will also become a more frequent problem in future years due to climate change.

Echoing Dr Scurlock's predictions, Chairman of Natural England Poul Christensen added that “We can see climate change impacting on our farms. Birds are nesting earlier and plants are flowering earlier. There should be no doubt about climate change and there should be no doubt about the need to tackle it.”

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.