BSAVA 'retires' annual Congress after 68 years
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has announced the end of its annual BSAVA Congress.
In a statement published yesterday, BSAVA president Julian Hoad revealed plans to focus its resources on new initiatives it said would better serve its members.
Dr Hoad described ‘extensive research’ with its members, which explored their education and development needs. It also addressed what members felt was required by the wider profession.
He said the research findings revealed that BSAVA needed to offer more agile solutions for veterinary surgeons and nurses.
This means that March 2025 marked BSAVA’s final congress, with the congress website now closed. The landing page reads ‘Thank You For 68 Great Years, Excited For What’s Next’.
BSAVA first launched its congress in March 1958, just one year after its inaugural meeting. The first congress took place at the Shaftesbury Hotel London and was attended by 245 veterinary surgeons.
Future congresses were held in various locations in London, with the venue changing as the event grew in popularity. In 1982, BSAVA marked its 25th anniversary with the Congress Ball.
BSAVA Congress became big enough to become a multi-site event in 2002, moving to the National Indoor Arena. BSAVA soon took over the International Convention Centre (ICC) for its clinical sessions and the National Indoor Arena for its exhibition.
In 2018 BSAVA announced that it would be moving the Congress to Manchester Central from 2021, hosting its last Congress in Birmingham in 2020 to mark 30 years in the city.
However it was forced to cancel this event due to the COVID pandemic, with BSAVA Congress 2021 being held online. From 2022-2025 the Congress was held at its new home at Manchester Central.
Julian Hoad said: “As an organisation we’re extremely proud of the legacy Congress leaves behind. It’s been a cherished and valuable event for the profession over the last 68 years, and we want to thank all who’ve been part of that legacy.”
Image © BSAVA
Vet associations criticise CMA's remedies
A number of major veterinary organisations have united to criticise proposed ‘remedies’ set out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
In a full response to the working paper, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) expresses ‘serious concerns’ for the suggested remedies. It describes the measures as ‘completely disproportionate’ to the issues they seek to address.
The response is a joint submission from the BVA, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, the British Veterinary Nursing Association, the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and the Veterinary Management Group.
Among the concerns is the proportionality of the remedies. The organisations suggest the remedies are ‘too extensive’ in relation to the CMA’s concerns, placing administrative burden on the practices.
They say this would disproportionately impact smaller, independent practices, which would have limited capacity and resources.
The response particularly raises concern about the financial cost the remedies could have, with many of the changes requiring new technology solutions. This could again affect independent practices, which may be forced to pass the costs onto their clients.
By extension, the organisations say that these increased costs could have a negative impact on animal welfare as a whole. As increased costs result in higher veterinary fees, pet owners may delay or avoid taking their pets to veterinary practices.
The BVA says that, while it supports a standardised price list, CMA’s proposed approach is ‘too complex’ and unworkable. It says practices would be required to provide detail which is ‘overly burdensome’ and does not increase clarity for clients.
It also criticises suggestions of price control on medication, which it believes will reduce the availability of products, harming consumer choice and animal welfare.
Elizabeth Mullineaux, BVA president, said: “If all the measures were implemented at the same time, the sheer volume and complexity would place an unacceptable burden on vet practices and could jeopardise the viability of many businesses, particularly smaller independent practices.
“This could have the unintentional consequence of reducing consumer choice and potentially increasing vet fees, which could in turn negatively impact animal health and welfare – precisely the opposite of what the CMA is trying to achieve.”
BVA, BSAVA, BVNA, SPVS and VMG’s full response to the working paper can be found here.
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Vet industry responds to UK-EU summit commitments
Veterinary organisations are responding to commitments made recently during a UK-EU summit in London.
On 19 May 2025, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer met with president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to finalise agreements as part of a post-Brexit relationship.
Alongside various commitments relating to trade and security, the UK-EU summit also addressed a number of deals directly affecting the veterinary and pet care industries.
New measures in the agreement will see more targeted checks on the movement of animals, animal products, plants and other products. This is expected to stop animals being held at borders for prolonged periods, reducing the impact on animal health and welfare.
It also includes a commitment to shared disease surveillance and data sharing. It is hoped that this will secure the UK's biosecurity, reducing the risk of imported diseases causing outbreaks.
Finally, the UK government has agreed that Animal Health Certificates (AHCs) will be replaced by pet passports.
The agreement has largely been welcomed the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which had outlined the need for an EU-UK agreement in its policy position.
The BVA says the new agreements will ease trade, while ensuring animal welfare and UK biosecurity. It says they will also be beneficial for the veterinary profession, reducing burdens on the veterinary workforce.
The organisations says pet passports will provide additional benefits for pet owners, after AHCs hit animal owners with increased costs.
Pet passports have also been welcomed by The Kennel Club, which has called the previous AHCs 'costly and burdensome'. Ed Hayes, head of public affairs, called the move 'a very positive step', thanking MPs for keeping pet travel on the agenda.
However, the BVA has expressed its concern that Northern Ireland's veterinary medicines access was not agreed during the summit. It says this is becoming increasingly urgent, with the post-Brexit grace period extension ending later this year.
BVA president Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Today’s announcements coming out of the EU-UK summit are good news, striking the right balance between reducing trade friction whilst maintaining the UK’s high standards of animal welfare and disease control.
“However, with no clear direction on the issue of access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, which has serious implications not only for animal health and welfare, but also public health, there is still work to do.
“A permanent resolution to this long-standing question is urgently needed and we will continue to press the government for solutions to avoid potentially devastating consequences.”
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RVC collaboration creates first 3D cat heart model
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has collaborated with Spain's Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) to generate 3D reconstructions of the hearts of different animals.
Using advanced computational techniques, the reconstructions can simulate cats' blood flows, therefore reducing experimentation on animals.
The models will mainly focus on reconstructing the animals' left atrium. This is because it is the part of the heart where thrombi (or blood clots) which cause heart attacks occur.
It is hoped that studying these reconstructions, and comparing them to existing models of the human heart, will support useful conclusions that could prevent thrombi in humans and animals. Future projects will see researchers create 3D models of the hearts of dogs, pigs and sheep.
Researchers began the project by studying cats' hearts, as the heart tissue has characteristics revealing the relationship between heart morphology and thrombi.
When investigating the human heart, studies will usually focus on clots and atrial fibrillation. Alterations of movements of the heart muscle can cause blood to accumulate in the left atrium of the heart, increasing the risk of a thrombus.
However, there are still unknown factors regarding the relationship between the human heart and clotting.
Since cats do not suffer arrhythmias, clots occur solely due to heart morphology and blood flow. This will allow researchers to study the links between thrombi and heart morphology without the interference of arrhythmias.
To create the 3D model, researchers examined the left atrium morphology and haemodynamics of 24 cats. This included eight healthy cats and 16 with different cardiac pathologies.
Using medical images from the cats' veterinary clinics, researchers implemented advanced computational techniques to reconstruct the left atria.
The study has already offered new insights linking the morphological features of cats' hearts to different pathologies.
Cats with a larger left atrium and a larger left atrial appendage proved to be at an increased risk of clotting. The risk of thrombi was also increased when blood circulated more slowly or the left atrial appendage was curved – which forces blood to zigzag to circulate.
Researchers also note that that the left atrial appendage has trabeculae which, if numerous, could stop blood flow and lead to clots.
Since previous studies of the human left atrium have reached similar conclusions, researchers believe the 3D models prove beneficial for both feline and human health. However, more feline samples will be needed to understand heart behaviour better.
Future projects will also see the team examine the left atrium of dogs, pigs and sheep as they complete their cross-sectional study.
The full study can be found in the journal Scientific Reports.
Image © Shutterstock
Articles by
Steph Cook
R Eddie Clutton
Clinical director
Siuna A Reid
Exotics specialist
Stephenie Malone
Specialist employment solicitor
Karen Wild
Clinical animal behaviourist
Claire Hodgson
Equine clinician
Kerry Doolin
Emergency and critical care clinician
Hilary Orpet
Senior lecturer and veterinary nurse
Clara Ashcroft
Marketing and communications writer and journalist
Jemma Fry
Veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist
Stephanie Williams
Diagnostic radiographer
Norman Johnston
Dental and oral surgery specialist
Kieran Borgeat
Specialist in veterinary cardiology
Claire Hargrave
Animal behaviourist and lecturer
Emma Purnell
Veterinary nurse
John Hill
Bee enthusiast and experienced veterinary surgeon
John Matthews
Veterinary surgeon with a specific interest in goat care
Hayley Walters
Welfare and anaesthesia veterinary nurse
Helen Ballantyne
Human and veterinary nurse
Rob Tillyard
Specialising in veterinary practice management systems
Jane Ellison
Senior information scientist at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service
Alice Allbrook
James Yeates
Chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA
Joanne Webster
Head RVN, specialist in veterinary nurse training
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Chimpanzees drum distinct rhythms, study finds
A team of researchers has discovered that chimpanzees drum rhythmically, adding regular spacing between their drum hits.
The study saw cognitive scientists and evolutionary biologists examine the behaviours that eastern and western chimpanzees use to communicate with their group.
Drumming has been proven to be a common method of communication among chimpanzees. The primates produce low-frequency sounds by drumming on buttress roots, which grow above the soil.
A previous project revealed that chimpanzees each had their own unique drumming style, which they use to communicate where they are and what they are doing. The chimpanzees used percussive patterns to send information over long and short distances.
This latest project sought to discover how drumming styles changed between different chimpanzee communities, and whether they had a humanlike rhythm.
To explore this, the team worked with chimpanzees researchers to study 371 drumming bouts across 11 chimpanzee communities – including six populations and two subspecies.
The researchers analysed the drumming patterns of the chimpanzees, which revealed a distinct rhythm to the way they drummed. The timing of their hits also proved to be non-random and often evenly spaced.
The two subspecies, eastern chimpanzees and westerns chimpanzees, were also discovered to be exhibiting different drumming patterns.
While eastern chimpanzees alternated between shorter and longer time intervals between beats, western chimpanzees kept evenly spaced hits. Western chimpanzees also drummed with a faster tempo, integrating their drumming earlier in their pant-hoot vocalisations.
Catherine Hobaiter, a senior author of the study from University of St Andrews, said: “Making music is a fundamental part of what it means to be human — but we don’t know for how long we have been making music,
“Showing that chimpanzees share some of the fundamental properties of human musical rhythm in their drumming is a really exciting step in understanding when and how we evolved this skill.
“Our findings suggest that our ability to drum rhythmically may have existed long before we were human."
The full study can be found in the journal Current Biology.
Image © Shutterstock
Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers
The free session will take place on Microsoft Teams.
A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club’s registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.
Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.
The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club’s ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.
This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com
Image (C) Shutterstock.
UK's BSE risk status downgraded
The WOAH has downgraded the UK’s international risk status for BSE to ‘negligible’.
Defra says that the improved risk status recognises the UK’s reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.
Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain’s beef exports.
The UK’s new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.
Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said: “WOAH’s recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK’s strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.
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New Kennel Club webinar to explore canine heart disease
The Kennel Club is to host a free webinar exploring acquired heart disease in dogs on Wednesday, 18 June at 7.00pm.
The webinar is the second of a series, hosted in partnership with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VCS), created to help attendees to understand heart problems in dogs.
It will feature cardiologist Emily Dutton, a member of the VCS, who will lead a discussion into acquired heart disease. She will particularly focus on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a common acquired heart disease among large and giant-breed dogs.
A degenerative disease, DCM causes swelling within the ventricles, reducing the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. Among the clinical signs are collapse and abdominal pain.
It builds upon ideas explored in the series’ introductory webinar, hosted by Hannah Stephenson, which set out the key aspects of heart disease.
In Dr Dutton’s webinar, participants will learn more about the possible causes of DCM, including both genetic and environmental risk factors. They will also learn about clinical signs, methods of diagnosis, treatment options and opportunities for future research.
The webinar will consist of a one-hour presentation followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.
Emily Dutton said: “This session is a valuable opportunity for owners and breeders to deepen their understanding of heart disease in dogs. I look forward to sharing the latest research, answering questions, and supporting the dog-owning community in keeping their dogs’ hearts as healthy as possible.”
The Kennel Club’s heart disease sessions are the latest in a series of health-focused webinars from the organisation. Previous webinar series have explored canine health conditions, including bloat, epilepsy and osteosarcoma.
The webinars are designed to raise awareness of various canine health concerns, such as bloat, epilepsy, colour dilution alopecia and osteosarcoma. They also seek to explore future research, improve diagnoses and support dog owners.
The previous webinars can be viewed on The Kennel Club’s YouTube channel.
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Matt Badham named CQ's VN Educator of the Year 2025
Central Qualifications (CQ) has announced Matt Badham as the winner of this year’s Veterinary Nursing Educator of the Year Award at its Graduation and Awards Ceremony last week.
Matt Badham, a lecturer at Plumpton College, received his award from keynote speaker and eco-adventurer Cat Capon at the ceremony at Central Hall, Westminster on 31 May 2025.
CQ’s VN Educator of the Year award recognises Mr Badham’s dedication and commitment to veterinary nursing training. He was nominated by his students at Plumpton College, who described him as passionate, enthusiastic and inspiring.
One nominator wrote: “Students love him and he shares happiness and enthusiasm in everything he does.”
Mr Badham was a student of Nicola Newman, a former VN Educator of the Year. It was Ms Newman’s supportive and dedicated teaching style which inspired him to become an educator himself.
As an educator, Mr Badham tries to make his lessons engaging, inspiring students to ‘learn new things but also have fun doing so’.
Mr Badham said: “It was always my goal to be a supportive educator for my students and so to realise that many of them must have taken time to write about me for their nominations is honestly very moving.
“I put a lot of myself into this role and it is nice to have the validation that they think I’m doing something worth awarding. I will continue to learn and grow to ensure I always put everything I can into their education and in to the veterinary industry.”
Denise Burke, quality assurance manager at CQ, said: “Huge congratulations to Matt on this achievement.
“His passion for veterinary nursing and dedication to his students is truly inspiring and it’s fantastic that his hard work is being acknowledged on such a grand scale.”
Image © Central Qualifications
Cat microchip law not having impact, charity says
A London-based animal welfare charity has warned that last year’s cat microchipping law may not be having an impact.
Mayhew, which is based in the north-west of London, says that eight in ten of the cats entering its care are not microchipped.
On 10 June 2024, it became a legal requirement for all cats in the UK to be microchipped. Cat owners who do not microchip their cat could face a fine of £500.
Several animal welfare charities had campaigned for the law, including Mayhew, in the hope that it would make it easier to reunite lost pets with their family.
However the charity says that it is still seeing high numbers of cats without microchips implanted. Between July 2024 and March 2025, 80 per cent of Mayhew’s feline intake did not have a microchip.
Ms Guiney said: “Cats come to Mayhew for all sorts of reasons, but often they come from loving homes who can simply no longer afford them or care for them. These are not irresponsible owners – so why are these cats not microchipped?”
Mayhew believes that owners surrendering their cats could be unaware of the cat microchipping law or unable to afford the cost of microchipping
The charity is now urging cat owners to microchip their cats and kittens to comply with the law and avoid a £500 fine. Microchipping is also vital to support the charity with reuniting lost pets with their owners.
This was particularly helpful when twenty-year-old cat Phoebe was brought to the charity. The team immediately scanned her for a microchip, and were able to contact her family using the microchip details.
Phoebe was soon reunited with her family, which had been deeply concerned since she had gone missing.
Phoebe’s family said: “We are so grateful to the person who found her and to the Mayhew staff who cared for her until we were given the good news and were reunited. Thank goodness she was microchipped!
“Phoebe recently turned 21 and is still with us, thanks to the Mayhew and her unknown rescuer.”
For owners unable to afford microchipping fees, Mayhew also offers free microchipping at its community veterinary practice for eligible pet owners in Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.
Image © Mayhew
Electronic ID for cattle to be made mandatory
Defra announces changes to cattle identification, registration, and reporting.
All calves must be fitted with electronic identification tags from summer 2027 following new measures announced by Defra.
Under the changes revealed on Monday (2 June) also include a new cattle movement reporting system to simplify existing regulations and support the livestock industry.
It comes as the government announced a £200 million investment into the UK’s research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to boost production against animal disease.
Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman said: "This is a significant milestone in modernising how we manage cattle health, welfare and traceability in England. These reforms strike the right balance in supporting farmers with clearer, simpler rules while helping the sector strengthen its productivity, resilience and global competitiveness."
Under the requirements, all new-born calves from summer 2027 will need to be fitted with low frequency eID tags. The tags will enable animals to be scanned when they are moved, instead of a visual read and manual input of the tag number.
Experts hope that electronic cattle traceability will strengthen the UK’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to animal disease outbreaks, protecting farmers and the rural economy.
UK chief veterinary officer Dr. Christine Middlemiss said: "Electronic identification is a game-changer for disease traceability. It allows for faster, more accurate tracking of cattle movements, which is crucial in responding to outbreaks and maintaining our high biosecurity standards.
“This shift puts England in step with best global practice and today’s early confirmation will provide the livestock industry the clarity it needs to begin preparing now — ensuring that the right tags, readers and systems are available at scale ahead of rollout.”
Image (C) Shutterstock.
Artificial intelligence goes under the spotlight at BVA Live
An expert panel will explore the impact of AI on veterinary services.
With artificial intelligence increasingly being used in clinical settings, a session at this year’s BVA Live is set to explore its impact on the delivery of veterinary services.
The ‘hot topic’ session, entitled The Future is Here, Are You Ready? AI in Practice Today’ comes as new statistics show one in five vets are already using AI technology in their daily work.
The figures from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary profession survey found the most commonly reported use of AI technology was for radiography diagnostics and reporting (44 per cent) and laboratory diagnostics and reporting (27 per cent).
When it comes to communications, however, the survey found that just 11 per cent of vets are using AI to speak to clients and only seven per cent are using to help with administrative tasks.
Rob Williams, BVA junior vice president: “It’s fascinating to see how many vet teams are already using AI technology in their daily work. The massive boom in the use of these tools represents an exciting opportunity for the profession, particularly around diagnostics and interpreting large data sets.
“But as well as benefits there are clear challenges and risks, so this timely session is a great opportunity to address some of the ethical questions around the use of technology when it comes to treating animals and ensuring their welfare. It’s set to be an interesting debate, with the chance for delegates to pose questions to our incredibly knowledgeable panel, and I hope many of you will join us to add your voice to the discussion.”
The BVA Live session will bring together a panel of experts from across the profession to discuss what is happening today and how the future of practice might evolve in a world of AI.
Among the experts include Nick Jackson, director, veterinary surgeon, and council member at NGJ Locum Ltd, BVA policy officer, Ben O'Halloran, and Nicolò Frisiani, co-founder and CEO of Lupa Pets.
Vets with an interest in AI technology can join the discussion in the BVA Live Interactive Zone, at 14.00-14.45 on 12 June 2025.
RCVS calls for more powers after CMA remedies
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has released its response to the remedies shared by Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The College has continued calls for remedies to increase its monitoring powers, as well as further development of its existing structures and measures.
In its response, the RCVS says that it acknowledges why recent changes to the veterinary sector would prompt the CMA’s investigation. It agreed with the increased focus on consumers, welcoming opportunities for improved consumer protection.
However the College says that it is ‘not yet clear’ which issues would have adverse impacts on the veterinary sector.
It also warns that there is a risk that the CMA’s suggested remedies could have unintended consequences for areas that were not included in CMA’s market investigation. This would include the equine, exotic animal and charity sectors.
The RCVS says that, while it is motivated to engage with measures to improve transparency, it believes that proposed remedies must be ‘proportionate’ to the issues they seek to address.
It says that any additional regulatory measures would result in greater costs for both the business providing the veterinary services and the regulator themselves. This, in turn, risks regulatory costs being passed onto consumers.
If smaller practices then find themselves unable to operate, it could reduce available choices and increase costs.
Its statement calls for measures to be ‘proportionate, enforceable, effective, applicable across all veterinary settings’, as well as being mindful to the additional burden they pose to veterinary practices. It also says there should be a ‘clear review mechanism’ to make necessary changes.
The College has recommended that the veterinary sector builds upon its existing structures, such as its Practice Standards Scheme, rather than establishing new regulatory bodies to carry out the functions. It has also called for additional monitoring powers and enforcement, stating that existing legislation makes it ‘challenging’ to enforce.
It has also continued its campaign for the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to be reformed.
The response states: “We believe that the key change required to bring about improvements to consumer protection, standards within veterinary practice, and support for veterinary professionals working within clinical practice, would be for the RCVS to implement a scheme of mandatory practice regulation. To achieve this, new legislation is required.
“The RCVS has been pushing for such legislation for many years, as the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is out of date – a point well understood by the CMA.”
The full response can be read here.
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Educational sessions to keep children safe around pets
Animal charities team up this Child Safety Week (2-8 June).
This Child Safety Week (2-8 June), animal welfare organisations are teaming up to provide educational sessions to help keep children safe around pets.
The move comes in response to an RSPCA survey which found that one fifth of children aged between the ages of seven and 11 have been bitten by a pet. Of these, more than half of the incidents were so severe the children had to see a doctor.
During the week, umbrella organisation The Pet Education Partnership will be hosting two webinars.
The first session will be aimed at those working in the animal welfare sector (4 June). Then, on Thursday 5 June, there will be a session for educators, parents and carers exploring children’s attitudes towards pets, dog safety awareness and the five welfare needs.
Caroline Francoli, education advisor at the RSPCA, said: “This important research has driven the content for the Pet Education Partnership’s upcoming webinars and resources to address the lack of knowledge around interpreting dog behaviour, appropriate ways to show affection to a dog and how to play with them to keep young people safer.
"This partnership with leading animal welfare charities across the sector has the potential to create a more empathetic generation and positively impact the lives of pets in the long term".
Shed added: “We know that dogs and children can be great friends and having a dog can help children develop kindness, responsibility, understanding and respect for animals. The bond they have with their childhood dog will often stay with them for a lifetime - but it’s crucially important that young people learn how to behave safely around their pets and for parents and guardians to be informed to prevent dog bites from happening.”
The RSPCA's survey of some 1,000 children also revealed that 70 per cent of are being left alone with their pet at least once a week. Of the children bitten by a dog, 27 per cent were playing with their pet and 11 per cent were cuddling or kissing them.
Maria Kyle, intervention development manager at Dogs Trust, said: “These findings will support the Pet Education Partnership and its member organisations to shape and strengthen existing education programmes, particularly those aimed at reducing dog bites. Reaching children, parents, caregivers, and other key stakeholders with evidence-led initiatives gives us the best chance of improving safety outcomes for both people and dogs.”
The Pet Education Partnership includes including RSPCA, USPCA, Scottish SPCA, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection and Woodgreen Pets Charity. For more information visit: peteducationpartnership.org
BEVA Congress to celebrate vet nurses with VN stream
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has announced details of an educational stream designed specifically for veterinary nurses.
The stream at this year’s BEVA Congress, which takes place from 10-13 September, is intended to develop and promote the skills of an equine RVN.
The speakers in the stream include Louise Pailor, who will discuss sustainability, and Roger Smith, who will address the role of equine RVNs in orthopaedic care. David Rendle will demonstrate the process of a gastroscopy.
There will be veterinary nursing workshops in the afternoon, which will seek to develop nursing skills through discussion, practicals and group learning tasks.
The workshops will include stations for diagnostics, consulting skills, medicine and foals. They will be hosted by tutors including Jane Devaney, Rosina Lilywhite and Marie Rippingale.
Delegates will be invited to explore arthroscopy, acting in the role of orthopaedic scrub nurse. There will also be opportunities to improve suturing skills, master hands-on techniques for foals and learn how to prepare and set up Equine Biologics.
These practical sessions will be guided by practical experts, including David Stack, Sophie Haylock and Rosina Lilywhite.
Closing sessions will begin with an update from BEVA’s nurse committee. Cassie Woods will then discuss the role of the equine veterinary nurse outside the clinic and how the skills can be maximised out and about.
The day will close with a talk from Kayleigh Warren, who will explore the rehabilitation of the equine patient and how nurses could extend their care.
Cassie Woods, guardian of the vet nursing stream, said: “We really hope to see many of our amazing RVN and Student RVNs in attendance for what should be a day of exciting topics and the chance to get stuck in and further learn and develop skills to take back into your clinics,
“We are also excited to learn who will be the winner of this year’s Vet Nurse Empowerment Award, which highlights the invaluable skills and versatility of equine nurses by commending any individual within the profession who is actively championing the role of the equine nurse.”
Image © BEVA
FIVP and SPVS release joint CMA remedies response
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has collaborated with the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) to respond to the CMA’s suggested remedies.
The joint response investigates the CMA’s working papers from the perspective of independent practices, concluding that these practices would see a ‘disproportionately negative impact’.
The report reveals ‘critical concerns’ from FIVP and SPVS members about the remedies. The submission outlines arguments against the remedies and proposes alternative solutions that could be implemented.
FIVP and SPVS have particularly highlighted the burden that implementing potential requirements would have on smaller practices. Among the CMA’s suggested remedies are mandatory prescriptions and detailed price comparisons.
Their response notes how this might impact independent practices, including an administrative overload and reduced profitability. The groups say that this could lead to increased costs for clients.
They have also warned against an over-emphasis on price transparency in the CMA’s remedies.
The groups suggest that the CMA’s focus on price transparency could contribute to the erosion of the ‘vet-client-pet’ relationship. They say that, despite independent practices’ core values, mandated price transparency risks turning veterinary care into a ‘purely transactional interaction’.
FIVP and SPVS state that they remain supportive of the CMA’s goals of increased transparency and client choice.
They say that they advocate for client education and choice, and approve efforts to ensure fairness for independent practices. Through a survey of SPVS and FIVP members, the organisations found that many supported the development of a Client Information website that would guide clients to get the best for their pets from their veterinary practice.
The response has called for any changes to be introduced through a phased approach to help independent practices through the transition.
Rita Dingwall, chair of FIVP, said: “This joint effort highlights the unique position and challenges faced by independent veterinary practices in light of the proposed remedies.
“Together, we have worked diligently to articulate the critical role that independent practices have in providing tailored high-quality care for our communities.”
The full response can be read here.
Image © Shutterstock
Zoo welfare overhaul 'doesn't go far enough', says RSPCA
The RSPCA has welcomed new zoo animal welfare rules, which it describes as a 'significant step' towards improved standards.
However the charity has shared its concern that the update 'doesn't go far enough' to protect all the animals kept in zoos.
Published on 24 May, the new Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain sets our new rules for keeping exotic animals in zoo settings. The rules are designed to enhance the welfare and protections of animals kept in zoos and aquariums.
Among the changes to zoo-keeping rules is the introduction of larger habitats for elephants. Defra says that this will better replicate the territories naturally inhabited by elephants.
Birds of prey are also set to have larger aviary enclosures as part of the new rules. Under the new rules, the practice of tethering birds of prey as long term accommodation will be phased out.
Aquariums will also be instructed to stop visitors from touching fish and cephalopods, which Defra says will prevent stress to sting rays and octopi.
Additional methods in the Standards are designed to improve conservation schemes, enforcing new requirements for record-keeping. Measures are also set to protect the public and update zoos' business plans.
Zoos and aquariums now have two years to adapt to these changes, with phased timelines for species-specific changes.
Jamie Criston, CEO of Chester Zoo, said: "These new standards set a clear vision for the future of zoos in the UK and we’re pleased to have worked closely with Defra to help shape them and ensure that they represent world class animal care."
The RSPCA has commended the new laws against tethering of birds of prey. It says that tethering the birds goes against principles of animal welfare, preventing them from choice and control in their movements.
However, the charity argues that the law does not go far enough for elephants.
The RSPCA explains that elephants often experience significant welfare issues and that 'a little more space' is not enough. It has been working with the Elephant Welfare Group, and is awaiting the results of a 10 year long review on elephants' future.
Similarly, while the charity welcomes the phase-out of 'touch pools', it describes the legislation as 'watered down'. It says that crabs and star fish also need protection from stress, physical harm and biosecurity issues.
The RSPCA says animal welfare education must play a mandatory part in zoo's educational programmes.
Ros Clubb, head of the RSPCA wildlife department, said: “A fundamental understanding of the welfare needs of all animals is so important. Zoo visitors should be educated about animal welfare so they are encouraged and informed about how to be kind and compassionate to animals they interact with.”
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Early neutering not linked to cat weight gain, study suggests
A new study has challenged the theory that early neutering is directly linked to cats’ weight issues in later life.
Findings revealed no greater risk of weight problems in cats neutered at four months old compared to cats neutered at six months old.
The research saw the examination of over 2,000 clinical records relating to 584 cats. The data was sourced from the Bristol Cats Study at the University of Bristol, part-funded by Cats Protection, which follows the lifetime health records of cats registered at 8 to 16 weeks old.
The data analysis revealed no connection between the body condition score (BCS) or bodyweight of kittens and the age at which they were neutered; whether it was at six months, five months or four months and under.
Male cats generally weighed more and had a higher BCS than female cats. They also had a more consistent BCS, regardless of the season.
The BCS of female cats, however, was driven by seasonal effects. Female cats displayed lower BCS and lower bodyweights during the summer and the autumn.
Rae Foreman-Worsley, an associate researcher for Cats Protection, said: “By neutering cats from four months old, the veterinary profession can help to significantly reduce the number of unplanned litters and potentially homeless cats.
“At a time when financial constraints and issues with capacity are facing both owners and vets, a move to neutering cats at four months old may be an effective way to manage cat populations.”
The analysis also found that cats’ hair length could be predictive of BCS, but not of their bodyweight.
Researchers believe that this demonstrates the subjectivity of BCS measurements. Long hair can affect perspectives of a cat’s bodyweight, depending on how far vets and owners believe the fur to be responsible for the cat’s size.
They say that this highlights the importance of considering both BCS and bodyweight measurements before making recommendations on nutrition and weight management.
The researchers are now calling for more long term studies to investigate the outcomes of pre-puberty neutering of cats. Neutering is still considered a risk factor for feline obesity, and more research may be needed to understand the links with neutering age.
The full study can be found in the journal Veterinary Record.
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Researchers create first anatomical catalogue of horses' expressions
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth have catalogued the first anatomically-based descriptions of equine facial behaviour.
By mapping how horses’ facial expressions communicate emotions such as playfulness and aggression, scientists hope to advance understanding of equine welfare, training and veterinary care.
The researchers used the Equine Facial Action Coding System to catalogue 805 facial displays across 22 distinct behaviours. The facial movements were linked to specific muscle actions to enable the scientists to apply precise and objective coding.
A new statistical tool was also used to analyse how the expressions linked to different social contexts.
The analysis revealed a clear set of facial cues to indicate an agonistic interaction. These cues could be used to indicate a horse’s aggressive intent, which could support veterinary professionals with avoiding conflicts.
An aggressive horse will flatten its ears, raise its inner brows, dilate its nostrils and lower its head.
If a horse is alert or investigating stimuli, it will often hold its ears forward and adducted. It will adjust its head for improved sensory input (such as holding it upright) and may be seen to blink more often.
In contrast, a friendly horse appeared to exhibit more neutral facial expressions during interactions.
This contradicts the traditional belief that a horse holding its ears forward is displaying a positive emotion. Instead, researchers suggest a lack of facial movement is more indicative of a good mood.
A playful horse, however, expressed a more dynamic range of facial movements. This can include depressed lower lips, raised chins, wide-open mouths, rotated and flattened ears, increased visibility of eye whites and noses pushed forward.
Researchers suggest a link between some playful horse expressions and the open-mouthed play faces of primates and carnivores. They believe this may indicate a deep-rooted evolutionary basis for the behaviours across mammalian species.
The analyses may also have revealed a previously undocumented facial movement, involving the platysma muscle.
Designated AUH21, the movement causes the side of a horse’s face to tighten, highlighting the underlying structures. Previously only observed in humans and gibbons, the new expression could enhance cross-species comparisons and support the assessment of equine emotional states.
Leanne Proops, associate professor in animal behaviour and welfare at the University of Portsmouth, said: “This work is a game-changer for anyone working with horses,
“It gives us a new lens through which to view and interpret their behaviour, ultimately leading to better care and stronger human-animal relationships.”
The full database and the researchers’ analyses can be found here.
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Rabbit Awareness Week returns for 2025
The Rabbit Awareness Action Group (RAAG) has revealed the theme for this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW).
The campaign, running from 23- 27 June 2025, will focus on ‘Happy, Hoppy Homes’, promoting the importance of correct indoor and outdoor housing for rabbits.
It is the 19th year of Rabbit Awareness Week, which has been endorsed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Organisation (BSAVA) and is organised by Burgess Pet Care. RAAG says that the results of the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report highlights the urgency of its theme.
The PAW report revealed that 22 per cent of all pet rabbits were being kept in inadequate housing, such as small hutches or limited run space. This equates to approximately 180,000 rabbits.
The survey also found that just 66 per cent of rabbits were able to move freely between their hutch and their run. This leaves 23 per cent that had to be let in or out by their owner, while nine per cent had to be physically moved by their owner.
Rabbits which were kept in inadequate enclosures were less likely to be able to move freely between their hutch and their run.
Nine per cent of rabbit owners said they had chosen inadequate housing based on advice from a retailer, while seven per cent said they chose it because no larger enclosures were available.
RAAG says that these statistics highlight a need to promote the correct housing environments needed for indoor and outdoor rabbits. This year’s campaign will feature a range of blogs, videos and digital waiting room resources to provide appropriate advice.
RAW 2025 is set to launch at Woodgreen Pets Charity, one of its supporters, and will bring together members of the veterinary community and supporters of RAW.
Julian Hoad, BSAVA president, said: "The BSAVA is delighted to once again be endorsing Rabbit Awareness Week for 2025.
“Despite being the UK's third most popular pet, rabbits are still frequently kept in suboptimal conditions. With the many resources available, we hope this increases the awareness of good rabbit husbandry."
Veterinary practices can download resources and get involved on the RAAG website.
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Farmers urged to use vaccine fridge grant
Farmers have been asked to make use of a new grant to part-fund specialist vaccine fridges on their premises.
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) can be used to cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a medical-grade fridge, which would ensure vaccines are kept at the correct temperature.
The calls come after an MSD Animal Health study found that 84 per cent of vaccine fridges were storing vaccines outside of the correct temperature range. This could potentially compromise the efficacy of vaccines, endanger the safety of animals and risk vaccines not working.
MSD Animal Health's study saw it survey 19 farms across South West England to assess the success of their vaccine storage.
Researchers found that none of the fridges were able to maintain the recommended temperature range of 2-8 degrees Celsius. Many of the fridges stayed outside of the safe range long enough to compromise vaccine efficiency.
Eighty-four per cent of the fridges recorded temperatures above eight degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching 24 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, 58 per cent of fridges recorded temperatures which were at or below 0 degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature recorded was -12 degrees Celsius.
The FETF is a government-provided fund designed to farmers, horticulturists and forestry owners with business costs. It includes three grants to help improve productivity, manage slurry and improve animal health and welfare.
The Animal Health and Welfare grant is only available to farmers of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, laying chickens or broiler chickens. The FETF 2025 is competitive, meaning applicants may not receive any or all of the funding they apply for.
MSD Animal Health says that, ideally, vaccines should not be stored on-farm at all.
Paul Williams, technical manager for ruminants at MSD Animal Health, said: “On-farm storage is the weakest link in the vaccine cold chain. Animal health vaccines are extremely fragile, and once damaged, the effect is irreversible – you can’t tell by looking at them if they’re still effective.
“If you’re storing vaccines on farm, you should be checking the maximum and minimum temperatures daily. If they’re outside the 2–8°C range, something needs to be done.”
There is more information about FETF 2025 on the government website.
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RCVS publishes new Strategic Plan
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has published its new strategic plan, which will run from 2025-2029.
The plan, titled Stronger together, with animal health and welfare at our heart, explores the values and strategic ambitions which will guide the College over the next five years.
In its latest plan, RCVS has set out four new updated values that will inform how it works with and for its key stakeholder groups. Its four values are now ‘compassion, collaboration, clarity and courage’.
The College has also published four strategic ambitions, with each ambition focusing on one of its stakeholder groups.
Its first ambition is ‘stronger together with veterinary professionals’. Through this strategy, RCVS hopes to champion accessible, team-based veterinary care in autonomous settings and support veterinary professionals to meet high standards.
As part of this ambition, it is hoping to review the Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance and will also seek to achieve new veterinary legislation.
For its second ambition, RCVS has set out its responsibilities to animal owners and keepers. It hopes to improve animal and human welfare by improving access to veterinary care in a way informed by consumers and service users.
This would include communications with the public, with a focus on increasing transparency, agency and choice, as well as looking at ways to make veterinary care more accessible.
The third ambition addresses society as a whole, focusing on the links that the veterinary industry has with One Health and public health. RCVS says it will lead conversations on ‘challenging’ issues, encourage the next generation of veterinary professionals and ensure veterinary professionals linked with public health are well supported.
Finally, RCVS has outlined its commitment to its own staff and governance. It says it hopes to attract and retain a ‘diversity of talent and skills’ on its team to achieve its goals now and in the future.
To achieve this goal, RCVS says it will develop ‘infrastructure for success’, including new RCVS headquarters and new structures for finance, communications and digital. It will also seek to create a working culture with ‘sound values and supportive management’.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS chief executive officer, said: “The overall theme of the plan recognises that there are many other individuals and organisations that have a stake in our mission to inspire confidence in veterinary care and protect the public interest by ensuring animal health and welfare, and public health, are advanced through thriving world-class veterinary professions.
“This is where the ‘stronger together’ comes in, recognising that, in our role as a royal college that regulates, we are very well placed to bring people and organisations together to meet our common purpose of improved animal health and welfare and public health in a collaborative, proactive way.”
The full Strategic Plan is published here.
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CQ awarded accreditation for Level 3 Vet Nurse qualifications
Central Qualifications (CQ) has received full accreditation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for two Level 3 Veterinary Nursing qualifications.
It can now support learning centres providing the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and the Level 3 Diploma in Equine Nursing for the next five years.
Through its new qualifications, CQ says its learning centres can take a more integrated approach to delivering and assessing veterinary nursing knowledge. However, it says centres will still have the flexibility to deliver content in a bespoke way.
CQ adds that its rationalised assessment strategy will reduce the burden on learners, while still encouraging them to meet qualification outcomes. Its unique OSCE protocol is expected to make assessments less stressful for students.
The achievement follows its recent RCVS accreditation event, which saw CQ commended for the development of its Level 3 qualifications.
RCVS recognised CQ’s External Quality Assurance processes, particularly highlighting the development of its Vantage Quality Assurance system. The report said these processes showed a commitment to protecting people and animals across learning environments. It noted CQ’s analysis of the OSCE assessment, which it said demonstrated strong assessment practices and continuous improvement to its processes.
CQ was also praised for engaging multiple clinical supervisors simultaneously. RCVS said that this innovative approach was ensuring students were supervised in a comprehensive and effective way.
Central Qualifications is an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation, providing qualifications for the veterinary and animal-related industries. Alongside its Level 3 Veterinary Nursing courses, CQ also provides qualifications for veterinary nursing assistants and companion animal training.
Denise Burke, quality assurance manager for CQ, said: “The CQ team have worked really hard to achieve this goal.
“This achievement is testament to teamwork, commitment, enthusiasm and pride in what we do, leading to robust qualifications that give clear direction to both learners and educators.”
Learning centres can find out more about CQ’s new Level 3 Licence to Practice Veterinary Nurse qualifications by contacting Ms Burke at denise.burke@cqual.org.uk .
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