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Nominations open for VN of the Year
Image: Last year's winners
BVNA Northern Ireland awaiting suggestions

Nominations for this year's BVNA Northern Ireland Veterinary Nurse of the Year award are now open. The winners will be announced at the gala dinner of the NI BSAVA Congress on 31 May - 1 June, which this year is taking place at the Armagh City Hotel.

There are four categories for which you can nominate - NI Vet Nurse of the Year, NI ANA of the Year, NI Trainee Nurse of the Year and NI Charity Vet Nurse of the Year. The latter award is for the nurse who has made the largest contribution to an animal charity, whether they are employed by one, volunteer, or have been involved in fund raising.

According to the most recent RCVS Survey of the Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing Profession, nurses are on average working longer hours and receiving 30 per cent less pay than their counterparts who have left the profession. Despite this, with their skill, dedication and compassion for pets and clients, veterinary nurses are the back-bone of the practice. These awards offer the chance to recognise the outstanding work of veterinary nurses.

The winner of NI Vet Nurse of the Year will receive a trophy plus £250 worth of gift vouchers, and winners of the other categories will receive £100 worth of gift vouchers. Nominations can be made by vets, practice staff and clients. All nominations must be received by 31 March.

Nomination forms should be displayed in practices and are available from the BVNA, VetNI website and Hill Pet Nutrition (0800 282438).

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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.