FIVP warns Veterinary Surgeons Act consult 'misrepresented'
The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has voiced its concern about the handling of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 consultation.
The organisation, which represents independent practices across the UK, has accused the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) of using the consultation to ‘build support’ for the CMA’s remedies.
Defra first launched its Veterinary Surgeons Act consultation on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. It is due to conclude on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
Its press release made regular mention of the ongoing investigation being led by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This included reference to the CMA’s remedy package, which recommended a reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act
However the CMA’s recommendations are yet to be confirmed, with its final decision report due to be published this month.
FIVP says that calls for a reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act predate the CMA’s investigation. It says that, as such, the Veterinary Surgeons Act consultation should be considered entirely independently from the final decision report.
It is now accusing Defra of using the ‘long-awaited, vital’ consultation to build support for the CMA’s final decision report.
Rita Dingwall, chair of FIVP, says: “While we are pleased that this much-needed consultation has been launched, we are disappointed that it is being misrepresented as part of the CMA’s remedy package. Defra appears to be using the consultation, which should unite the veterinary sector, to build support for the CMA’s proposed remedies.
“We hope that our members will continue to share their views on the Veterinary Surgeons Act. Everyone in the veterinary profession must consider what is best for the future of veterinary care and animal welfare, independently of the CMA’s reports.”
Image © FIVP
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RCVS shares response to VSA consultation
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has published its response to the ongoing Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) consultation.
Prof Tim Parkin, RCVS president, has praised a proposed reform which he says will incorporate many of RCVS’ longstanding recommendations.
The College has welcomed many of Defra’s recommendations, through which RCVS could be given statutory powers to directly regulate veterinary businesses. The wider veterinary team, including allied professionals, could also be similarly regulated.
Veterinary nurses would have their title protected, with additional reforms to enable them to take on more roles and responsibilities.
An updated fitness-to-practise regime would mean there is a greater range of sanctions available and interim powers of suspension. It would also lead to a modernised registration and licensing system.
The RCVS president said: “We thank Defra for taking on board the strong message from the RCVS, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), of the clear and pressing need to have new and improved legislation that is fit both for now and for the future.
“What is proposed in this consultation will set a firm regulatory foundation for the veterinary sector for decades to come, and our response reflects how positive we are about the changes and what they would mean for the future role and function of the RCVS as the veterinary regulator.
Prof Parkin says that, of the two options proposed by Defra, the College is in support of Option 1.
He describes Option 1 as the ‘Royal College that regulates’ model, in which RCVS would be able to take a ‘proactive and holistic approach’. Meanwhile Option 2 would mean RCVS is ‘shorn of its broader public interest and professional leadership objectives’, and left only with its regulatory remit.
Prof Parkin added: “It is our strong belief that the ‘Royal College that regulates’ model retains the best of both worlds, because it takes a proactive and holistic approach to regulation and fitness to practise.
“For example, professional leadership projects such as the Mind Matters Initiative and our reasonable adjustments campaign have opened up conversations around mental and physical health, and how we can better support our registrants to continue to meet professional standards in the public interest, while the RCVS Academy helps our registrants understand and navigate their professional responsibilities via innovative learning content.”
The College’s full response to Defra’s consultation can be found on RCVS’ Time for Change. The consultation into the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) will continue until 25 March 2026.
Image © RCVS
Foot and Mouth disease detected in Cyprus
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) has been detected in Cyprus.
Clinical signs of the contagious disease have been confirmed in cattle and sheep at the port city of Larnaca in Cyprus.
The UK government has already applied restrictions to certain Cypriot commercial imports to Great Britain. This ban includes live animals from FMD-susceptible species, hay and straw, germplasm, fresh meat, meat products that are not heat-treated, untreated milk and dairy products and animal by-products.
Commercial import of cheeses is permitted, providing they meet heat treatment requirements and are accompanied by the mandatory health certificate. Personal imports of meat and dairy from the EU remain prohibited.
Defra states that there are currently no cases of FMD in the UK. However, due to the disease’s highly contagious nature, livestock keepers are advised to remain rigorous on biosecurity.
Christine Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer, said: “Foot and Mouth disease has now been confirmed in Cyprus, we remain in contact with our European counterparts to understand the latest situation.
“Robust plans are already in place to minimise the risk of disease incursion to support Britain's farming community and food security.
“Livestock keepers are reminded to continue exercising the upmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
The clinical signs of FMD vary per animal however, in cattle, the main signs include sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue. Sheep and pigs may develop lameness, with a potential for blistering.
Any suspected cases of FMD must be reported to Defra immediately. Defra has provided a guide for identifying and reporting FMD.
Defra says that it will continue to apply ‘proportionate, science-based measures’ to defend animal health while facilitating safe trade.
Image © Shutterstock.com/em_concepts
Feline tumours share genetic similarities with human cancers
The discovery could lead to new ways to prevent and treat the disease.
The genetic changes that drive cancer development in domestic cats are comparable to those seen in humans, according to new research.
The multi-institutional study analysed different tumour types from almost 500 pet cats across five countries and found that certain genetic changes commonly seen in feline cancers mirror those that drive human malignancies.
For example, the researchers identified that the most common driver gene of feline mammary cancer is similar to the primary driver of human breast cancer, suggesting there are important parallels between the two species.
It is the first time feline cancer tumours have been profiled at this scale. The work has now been compiled into a freely available resource intended to support future research into feline cancer genomics.
The study was conducted by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, the University of Bern, and the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Bailey Francis, co-first author at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: “By comparing cancer genomics across different species, we gain a greater understanding of what causes cancer.
“One of our major findings was that the genetic changes in cat cancer are similar to some that are seen in humans and dogs. This could help experts in the veterinary field as well as those studying cancer in humans, showing that when knowledge and data flow between disciplines, we can all benefit.”
Professor Geoffrey Wood, co-senior author at the Ontario Veterinary College, Canada, added: “Despite domestic cats being common pets, there was very little known about the genetics of cancer in these animals until now.
“Our household pets share the same spaces as us, meaning that they are also exposed to the same environmental factors that we are. This can help us understand more about why cancer develops in cats and humans, how the world around us influences cancer risk, and possibly find new ways to prevent and treat it."
The study, The oncogenome of the domestic cat, is published in Science.
Image (C) Shutterstock/PeopleImages.
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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Apes engage in imaginative play, just like humans
Study suggests the ability to pretend likely dates back six million years.
Pretend play is thought to be a uniquely human experience, and one that is crucial to our development.
From turning cardboard boxes into rockets to hosting fancy tea parties, this kind of play lets children explore the world around them safely and creatively.
But new research from John Hopkins University suggests humans may not be alone in this ability. For the first time, scientists have shown that apes can also use their imagination and play pretend.
Researchers created three experiments resembling a child’s tea party to test Kanzi, a 43-year-old bonobo living in captivity.
Kanzi, who can respond to verbal prompts by pointing, engaged with cups of imaginary juice and bowls of pretend grapes, turning long-held assumptions about animal abilities on their head.
In one experiment, the researchers placed two transparent empty cups on a table with an empty pitcher. They then pretended to pour “juice” into both cups, and emptied the juice from one cup, giving it a shake to show it was empty.
When Kanzi was asked where the juice was, he consistently pointed to the correct cup, even after the researchers changed the cup’s location.
In another experiment, the team placed a cup of real juice next to the pretend juice. When asked what he’d like, Kanzi pointed at the real juice almost every time. A third similar experiment with grapes also produced similar results.
The findings, published in the journal Science, suggest that the ability to understand pretend objects likely dates back to our common evolutionary ancestors, some six to nine million years ago.
Study co-author Christopher Krupenye, a Johns Hopkins assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, said: "Imagination has long been seen as a critical element of what it is to be human, but the idea that it may not be exclusive to our species is really transformative.
"Jane Goodall discovered that chimps make tools, and that led to a change in the definition of what it means to be human. And this, too, really invites us to reconsider what makes us special and what mental life is out there among other creatures."
Image (C) Shutterstock.com/Darcy Perkins.
Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025
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.
Image © Shutterstock.com/BearFotos
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due
RCVS’ annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.
This year’s standard annual fee has increased to £431 from last year’s £418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.
Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: “The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development.”
A full breakdown of the new fees is on RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.
Image © Shutterstock.com/ Alex Segre
BSAVA's CEO to leave organisation after 14 years
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is to transition to a new chief executive officer (CEO), with Stacy Woodman sitting interim CEO.
Ms Woodman will support the organisation through the transition as Amanda Stranack prepares to leave after 14 years with BSAVA.
Amanda Stranack first joined the organisation in 2012 as head of congress, before becoming director of operations in 2016. She was appointed CEO in 2019, where she became closely involved with the organisation’s strategic development.
During Ms Stranack’s time as CEO, membership for BSAVA has increased to more than 10,000 members. She has also contributed to plans that will shape the organisation’s future.
Ms Stranack said: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and grateful to the team, volunteers, partners and veterinary community who have supported our work. The dedication and expertise within the BSAVA have been inspiring and it’s been an honour to have played a part in supporting such a wonderful profession.”
Stacy Woodman will be stepping in as interim CEO before a permanent appointment is made.
Ms Woodman has been leading BSAVA’s Programme of Change, working closely with the Board and leadership team to shape a new business plan and strategy. BSAVA says that her expertise and organisational knowledge will provide ‘continuity’ during the transition.
The BSAVA has begun recruiting a permanent CEO, with a further update to follow in due course.
Stacy Woodman said: “I’m pleased to be stepping into the Interim CEO role and supporting the organisation through this next phase. Having worked closely with the Board and leadership team on the Programme of Change, I understand both the ambition and the realities behind the plan. The BSAVA has a capable team and a clear direction, and I’m looking forward to working together to deliver on what we’ve set out to achieve.”
Julian Hoad, BSAVA president, said: “Amanda’s contribution to the BSAVA over the past 14 years has been exceptional. She has led with professionalism, warmth and a deep commitment to the veterinary profession. From her early work as Head of Congress through to CEO, she has played a major role in shaping the BSAVA’s progress and helping position the Association for its next phase.
“We thank Amanda for everything she has given to the BSAVA and wish her well for the future. And as we move into that next phase, we are delighted to welcome Stacy as our Interim CEO.”
Image © BSAVA
Nematodirus forecast tool 2026 goes live
The tool warns vets and farmers when mass hatching is likely to occur.
The latest hatching forecast is now available, helping sheep farmers and veterinarians assess their risk of nematodirosis.
Published by the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep, this free, online tool provides daily updates using data from 140 weather stations across the country.
Farmers and vets can select their nearest most representative weather station and use the coloured symbol warning system to quickly check their risk level. The tool also provides guidance on management actions and treatment options.
Kevin Harrison, SCOPS chair and South Gloucestershire Sheep Farmer, said: “This free online tool has proved to be an invaluable resource for many producers, vets and advisers for a number of years.
“For 2026, we have made some improvements, which we hope will make it even more helpful when deciding if, and when lambs may need a treatment”.
This year, the tool includes a short video to help users navigate the forecast and a link to more detailed information on the webpage. Users are also being encouraged to conduct a risk assessment of their lambs before moving to the forecast for their preferred weather station.
Independent sheep consultant Lesley Stubbings says: “Nematodirus battus, the parasite that causes nematodirosis, can be a tricky call for sheep farmers because it has a different lifecycle to other worms. Eggs overwinter on ground grazed by lambs the previous year and then hatch the following spring once the air temperature exceeds 10°C.
“If this happens, we can see a ‘mass hatch’ and farmers must act quickly to avoid losses in groups of vulnerable lambs. The Hatching Forecast provides a warning of when this is likely to occur, and because this can vary by several weeks between years, the forecast is an essential tool.”
Image (C) Shutterstock/Thetriggerhappydoc
Biological 'quirk' linked to feline kidney disease
New research has suggested that a biological ‘quirk’ in domestic cats could make them prone to chronic kidney disease.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham discovered that, unlike most other mammals, cats accumulate unusual fats in their kidneys.
The team used advanced chemical analyses to examine the incidence of RPTEC lipid in domestic cats in comparison to domestic dogs and Scottish wildcats. This revealed a rare group of modified triglycerides in cats.
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, and are essential for storing excess energy from food. Some of the triglycerides in the cats, however, were found to have unusual chemical bonds or branched structures which are very rarely observed in other mammals.
Many of these fats also had special ether-linkages, causing them to behave differently to typical dietary fats.
It is believed that this distinctive lipid buildup within kidney cells could be an early sign of long-term stress within the kidney. This could potentially be contributing to tissue damage over time.
Researchers hope this discovery will lead to further investigation into how cats’ unique metabolism might predispose them to kidney problems. They suggest that further studies could lead to better diagnostic skills, improved diets and new treatments for protecting feline kidney health.
The study was led by Professor David Gardner and Dr Rebecca Brociek from the University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Dr Brociek said: “Why these types of unusual fats accumulate in domestic cat kidneys, even from an early age, may offer an important clue as to why domestic cats are particularly prone to chronic kidney disease, one of the most common and serious illnesses affecting older cats.”
Prof Gardner added: "We are hopeful that soon we will understand why these unusual fats accumulate in domestic cats - we just have to collect the evidence to find the proof. If true, we believe we could develop a supplement or modified diet to help prevent these unusual lipid structures from accumulating, ultimately benefitting the long-term health of our companion animals.”
The full study can be found in the journal Frontiers.
Image © PawelKacperek/Shutterstock
HPAI vaccine trials begin in the UK
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has today (5 March) launched a targeted vaccine trial on turkeys in England.
The new trials will explore how these vaccines could be used as an additional tool to control highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Researchers will study whether these vaccines can be used to protect birds, with a specific focus on turkeys in England. The trial is expected to provide insight into how these vaccines work in the field and manage the disease, contributing to a growing international body of HPAI vaccination research.
The project will also examine the use of surveillance to retain the trade of turkeys.
Researchers have selected turkeys as the priority species for this study due to their high susceptibility to avian influenza. Outbreaks among turkeys will result in severe clinical signs, including rapid mortality rates.
With approval from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the trial will sample a small group of birds under strict supervision using UK/EU authorised vaccines. The trial will last for 24 weeks.
Defra reports an ‘unprecedented’ amount of avian influenza outbreaks in both the UK and in Europe over the past few years. The diseases has impacted both captive and wild birds globally since 2020, which Defra says has caused ‘devastation’ to birdkeepers on the frontline and in the poultry sector.
Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, said: “This targeted trial is going to be really key for our understanding of how HPAI vaccines can be effectively used for disease control in the UK. They have the potential to be a really valuable additional tool in helping us protect birds from infection.
“Stringent biosecurity will always remain our best defence and [we] urge all bird keepers to continue to take the steps needed to prevent avian influenza spreading onto their premises.”
Baroness Hayman, biosecurity minister, said: “The start of new vaccine trials are a significant step forward in our fight against this disease and will contribute to global research efforts. We are hopeful vaccines can be used in the UK as an additional tool to control bird flu to protect the UK's biosecurity and food supply.”
Image © Shutterstock.com/Sergey kolesnikov
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Andy Fiske-Jackson appointed head of RVC Equine
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has announced Andy Fiske-Jackson as its new head of RVC Equine.
Mr Fiske-Jackson will provide strategic leadership for the RVC’s Equine Practice as well as its Equine Referral Practice. He will support the delivery of RVC Equine’s clinical services, offering specialist expertise and first-opinion care for horses, ponies and donkeys.
His role will also shape the future of research and innovation and the professional development of students in RVC’s equine department.
Mr Fiske-Jackson joined RVC as a resident in equine surgery in 2008. His specialist training saw him earn the European College of Veterinary Surgeons Diploma in Equine Surgery and complete RVC’s Master of Veterinary Medicine.
His teaching career also meant he became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Mr Fiske-Jackson has held a number of roles at the RVC, including staff clinician, lecturer, senior lecturer and associate professor in equine surgery. In 2019, he took on the role of deputy head of RVC Equine.
He will continue to treat referred patients and further his research, which includes studies into diagnostic techniques for digital flexor tendon sheath injuries, clinical applications of objective gait analysis and the treatment of poor performance cases.
He will also continue his teaching career, training equine veterinary surgeons.
Mr Fiske-Jackson said: “It is a great privilege to take on this role. I have been deeply committed to RVC Equine since my Residency, which lay the foundations for my veterinary career. Throughout this time the service has advanced enormously, and the continual development of research and clinical practice, supported by cutting-edge technology such as our gait analysis systems and new state-of-the-art CT facilities, enables our dedicated team to provide exceptional care to equines.”
“I look forward to my new role and all that it brings, as well as continuing the clinical and research work I enjoy so much.”
Image © Royal Veterinary College
BSAVA names 2026 award winners
The awards celebrate significant contributions to the profession.
The BSAVA has revealed the winners of its 2026 awards, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to veterinary science, research, clinical practice, education and small animal welfare.
This year’s prestigious Bourgelat Award – recognising international contributions to the fields of small animal practice or science – goes to Ian Ramsey, Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Glasgow.
Honoured for his ‘significant and lasting impact on the profession’, Professor Ramsey is a renowned figure in internal medicine, specifically within the field of endocrinology.
He will deliver his Bourgelat lecture, ‘The weird and wonderful world of endocrinology’ at BSAVA Congress on 22nd April at 8pm. The lecture will be available online to all members of the veterinary profession for those unable to attend.
Recognising exceptional contibutions
New for 2026, the winner of the Des Thompson Award goes to Ian Millar in recognition of his pioneering contribution to veterinary ophthalmology and his exceptional service to the Northern Irish veterinary community for more than 40 years.
Des was the first vet in the region to gain a certificate in ophthalmology, and later the first BVA Eye Scheme panellist, shaping the development of specialist eye care.
This year’s Simon Award was presented to Matteo Rossanese, a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College and co-head of soft tissue surgery.
Matteo was honoured for his exceptional contribution to small animal surgery, particularly in cardiothoracic procedures. He is one of only a handful of surgeons worldwide performing complex open-heart operations in dogs under cardiopulmonary bypass.
Dedication to small animals and exotics
The winner of this year’s Woodrow Award – honouring significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine – is Dr Madonna Livingstone for her ‘exceptional dedication to caring for small animals and exotics’.
Currently head vet and head of exotics at the Ark Veterinary Clinics Ltd, Dr Livingstone’s commitment to improving the welfare of often overlooked species has transformed the lives of countless animals.
BSAVA honorary secretary, Adam Gow, said: “We were delighted to receive so many inspiring nominations this year, highlighting just how much outstanding work is happening across the veterinary community. Each of them has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the veterinary profession, and we’re proud to recognise the positive impact they make on animals, clients, and colleagues every day. A huge congratulations to all our well‑deserved winners.”
Other award winners include:
The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Award – Lyndsay Hughes
The Ray Butcher Award – Dr Rowena Packer
The J.A Wight Memorial Award – Jon Fitzmaurice
The Melton Award – Stefano Zanardi
The Dunkin Award – Karen Yuet Ming Fong
BSAVA PetSavers Clinical Research Abstract Award – Ollie Bardsley
BSAVA PetSavers Annual Research Award – Sze Lynn Yuen.
Image (C) BSAVA.
BVA and BSAVA call for 'contextualised' neutering
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is calling on veterinary surgeons to take a contextualised approach to neutering dogs.
Under new guidance, veterinary surgeons will be advised to consider a range of factors including age, breed and lifestyle – especially for male dogs.
The advice, published as part of an updated policy position, draws on research into how, why and when a dog or cat should be neutered. This includes evidence on the long-term health and welfare impacts of neutering.
Their findings also explored how these impacts can be reduced through medical or surgical methods, delaying procedures or avoiding neutering at all.
As well as emphasising a case-by-case assessment of neutering, especially for male dogs, the organisations also call for a shift away from early neutering of both male and female dogs. The new consensus is that male and female dogs are neutered at around 12-24 months, when many breeds of dogs have reached skeletal maturity.
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 55 per cent of vets support a contextualised approach to neutering, particularly for male dogs. Almost a third of vets were already carrying out the procedure when male dogs were aged 12-24 months.
The data was similar for female dogs, with 48 per cent of vets supporting a contextualised approach and 36 per cent undertaking the procedure between 12-24 months.
Elizabeth Mullineaux, senior vice president at BVA, said: “The updated policy position brings together the latest evidence to support small animal vets with making context-based decisions on a case-by-case basis and what that might mean for discussing neutering options with clients. Of course, these decisions may be different for rescue charities, rather than owned dogs.
“Along with BSAVA, we have also produced a handy FAQs resource that summarises the conclusions and recommendations from our updated policy, which I’d encourage all colleagues in small animal practice to have a look at.
“Given the complexities around neutering dogs, we are calling for more comprehensive research that summarises evidence gaps and risk factors of neutering for common breeds to further help vets in advising owners. More studies are also needed into the impacts of neutering on male and female cats.”
Full details can be found on BVA and BSAVA’s new policy position here.
Image © Shutterstock.com/ Friends Stock
VMD publishes first Inspections and Enforcement report
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published its first Inspections and Enforcement Report, exploring data between October and November 2025.
It is the first of a series of reports, due to be published every two months, intended to keep stakeholders informed with regulatory compliance.
The first report reveals that, between October and November 2025, the VMD conducted 188 inspections, received 200 new enforcement cases and closed 321 cases. Its enforcement action included five enforcement notices, 219 letters sent and 77 illegal listings removed.
Prescription fraud has been revealed as a persisting issue among the veterinary sector.
Between January 2023 and June 2025, the VMD received 1,852 reports of prescription fraud. Of these reports, 84 per cent involved tampered prescriptions and 16 per cent were complete fabrications.
The products commonly involved included dermatitis treatments, anti-inflammatories, cardiovascular medicines and parasiticides.
The VMD has also reported a surge in reports of counterfeit flea treatments. Since the VMD’s last warning in June 2025, reports of suspected counterfeit flea treatments have increased by seven times.
Before June, the VMD recorded only six reports of counterfeit flea treatments, including across historic data. Since the warning it has received 49 reports, including 11 between October and November 2025.
The report calls on veterinary practices to be aware of medicine broach limits, after inspections revealed that 18 per cent of practices were using medicines beyond their broach limit. A further 21 per cent were discovered to have failed to record all required information when prescribing or supplying medicine.
Meanwhile, the VMD says it is continuing to tackle illegal online drug sales. It logged 55 reports in 2024 and a further 52 reports in 2025. These reports span online marketplaces, social media and websites.
The full report has been published online.
Image © Shutterstock.com/Mari Zaro
VN Educators' Conference 2026 details revealed
Delegates will explore the changing landscape of veterinary healthcare.
The RCVS has revealed details of its 2026 VN Educators’ Conference, set to take place on 17 June at its headquarters in London.
Following a successful inaugural event last summer, this year will bring together veterinary nurse educators to consider how developments across the profession could shape the veterinary nurses of tomorrow.
Under the theme ‘The future RVN: people, practice and technology’, delegates will explore the changing landscape of veterinary healthcare and reflect on how this could impact the development of confident and capable veterinary nurses.
Key sessions include: Team-Based Healthcare and Contextualised Care, Legislation and Regulation and Technology-Enabled Practice.
Delegates can also attend one of two workshops: one focused on rethinking practical assessment, the other on developing the scope of practice for future veterinary nurses.
Shirley Gibbins, RCVS Veterinary Nursing Qualifications Lead, said: “We had such fantastic feedback from our first VN Educators’ Conference, so we are really pleased to be running it again this year.
“The day itself is highly interactive and serves as a perfect opportunity for VN educators to come together, explore emerging trends, share perspectives and reflect on how education and training can respond to a changing professional landscape.
“Whether you’re involved in curriculum delivery, assessment, quality assurance or programme leadership, we would love for you to join us.”
The conference is open to all VN educators involved in the development, delivery and assessment of student veterinary nurses. For more information, visit the RCVS VN Educators’ Conference Eventbrite page.
Image (C) Shutterstock/Dragon Images.
Registration opens for BVNA Congress 2026
The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has launched registration for this annual three-day congress.
This year’s congress will take place from Friday, 9 October 2026 to Sunday, 11 October 2026 at Telford International Centre.
The theme for the event will be ‘Compassion and Empathy’. BVNA members are being encouraged to come together and ‘share in the strength of community’.
Each morning of the event will include a ‘Compassion and Empathy’ stream, exploring how such values are relevant to a veterinary workplace. Among the topics will be the ‘no-blame’ practice culture, fertility and parenthood, and careers while managing chronic illness.
This year’s keynote speaker, who will also explore the congress theme, is veterinary nurse Linda Ryan.
Ms Ryan, a Veterinary Technician Specialism (VTS) holder in behaviour and oncology, will discuss her passion for the human-animal bond. Her keynote lecture will open the event on Friday, 9 October.
Returning this year is BVNA’s Makers Market, along with a new Nurse-Led CPD Market. Meanwhile the Exhibition Hub Theatre will feature interactive discussions on the latest industry developments.
There will also be dedicated streams for referral and first opinion nursing, as well as anaesthesia and analgesia, emergency and critical care, equine nursing and veterinary care assistants.
Attendees will have access to hands-on and small group learning, with BVNA’s practical workshops available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Delegates have the opportunity to improve their confidence in laboratory techniques, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, wound management, CPR, and more.
Sarah Holliday, BVA president, said: “My presidential theme of ‘Compassion and Empathy’ will be reflected throughout the event and scientific programme.
“As veterinary nurses, we provide skilled care for our patients and veterinary clients, and we also support our colleagues around us. The traits of compassion and empathy underpin everything we do. However, it can be easy to overlook the importance of taking care of ourselves.
“I am looking forward to providing a timely reminder to the profession to promote our own self-kindness and care – enabling us to remain resilient and thrive in our work.”
Tickets for BVNA Congress 2026 are now available, with a launch discount available until 30 April 2026. BVNA members will receive a member discount, while non-members get a year’s digital BVNA membership with their Congress registration.
Image © BVNA
RUMA Agriculture appoints new chair
RUMA Agriculture has announced the appointment of James Russell as its new chair.
James Russell succeeds Cat McLaughlin as chairperson, who has held the role for six years and worked for the organisation for over decade.
Dr Russell FRCVS is an experienced veterinary surgeon and consultant, with a postgraduate diploma in Production Animal and Livestock Medicine. He worked as a farm animal veterinary surgeon in the Midlands and Staffordshire for many years, before moving into consultancy.
His career has had a particular focus on infectious diseases and biosecurity, which has been shaped by his experience during the 2007 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak and subsequent bluetongue cases.
Dr Russell served as president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) from 2020-2021 and later as senior vice president.
Dr Russell said: “I’m honoured to take on this role and look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place. There is still much to do – both in maintaining our focus on AMR but also ensuring stewardship across other medicine classes.
“Cat leaves an exceptional legacy. Her skills, experience, wisdom and collaborative leadership have shaped RUMA Agriculture into the trusted, respected organisation it is today.”
RUMA Agriculture says that, under Cat McLaughlin’s leadership, attention has grown for the pressures around vaccine and medicine availability. The RUMA Targets Task Force, chaired by Dr McLaughlin, has also been praised as a ‘defining example of positive stewardship’.
In her final address to the organisation’s AGM, Cat said: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to Chair RUMA Agriculture for all these years. I am full of praise for the hard work and achievements of the Alliance which unites farmers, vets, food businesses, and policymakers around a shared mission: protecting animal health while preserving the effectiveness of vital medicines. This is a truly unique infrastructure – completely voluntary and incredibly effective”
She added: “I congratulate James on his appointment. Under his leadership I know he will work hard to ensure the UK remains a global exemplar in responsible medicine stewardship, safeguarding the effectiveness of vital medicines while supporting a resilient, high welfare livestock industry.”
Image © RUMA Agriculture
Professor Stuart Reid CBE receives prestigious award
The Calvin W. Schwabe Award honours lifetime achievement in veterinary epidemiology.
Professor Stuart Reid CBE, President and Principal of the RVC, has received the prestigious 2026 Calvin W. Schwabe Award in recognition of his lifetime achievements in veterinary epidemiology.
The award was presented at the 2026 Schwabe Symposium, held during the 106th meeting of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases in Chicago, USA.
Calvin W. Schwabe was a renowned scientist and philosopher, widely known as ‘the father of modern veterinary epidemiology’. He established the first department and graduate programme in veterinary epidemiology and was professor in the medical and veterinary schools at the University of California.
The Association for Veterinary Epidemiology and Prevents Medicine bestows the Schwabe award upon individuals for long-term commitment to scientific excellence and leadership in the discipline.
As part of the award, Professor Reid delivered a talk and invited a panel of experts to speak to the theme ‘Science’s Social Contract: Epidemiology in the Real World’.
Professor Reid said: “It is a rare honour to be able to curate a session at an international conference where the focus and invitees are one’s own personal choice. Colleagues and friends alike, over 30 years, it has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with so many amazing people in such a committed and supportive scientific community.
“For it to be the Schwabe Symposium made it a career highlight for me, a day that, I hope, highlighted the importance of One Health and our discipline to society, and a tribute to the legacy of Calvin W Schwabe.”
Besides the Schwabe award, Professor Reid is an RCVS-recognised specialist in veterinary epidemiology and in veterinary public health by the European Board of Veterinary Specialists.
He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in the USA in 2019 and holds Fellowships at the Royal Society of Biology; the Royal Society of Edinburgh; the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases in the USA, and the RCVS.
His work has also been recognised with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2018 and the RCVS Queen’s Medal in 2024.
Image (C) RVC.
New tool helps assess horse welfare on yards
The HEY tool is based on the Five Domains Model.
World Horse Welfare has launched a free-to-use tool to help yard managers and horse owners assess the welfare of horses in their care.
The Horses’ Experiences on Yards (HEY) tool has been developed using the Five Domains Model to gauge the welfare experiences of horses in yards and rescue centres.
The Five Domains Model is designed to explore the key areas influencing a horse’s ability to thrive in their environment. The Five Domains are nutrition, environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state.
Produced by animal welfare scientist Jill Fernandes and equine welfare scientist Cristina Wilkins, the tool is designed to make it easier for owners, grooms and yard managers to assess their horses’ experiences.
The two-part HEY process will guide the user through scoring the experience of horses in their care against 15 essential needs. Users are then encouraged to consider the short-term and long-term actions that will promote more positive experiences.
The guide is suitable for owners of multiple horses, but is designed to consider welfare at the overall yard level.
Care givers should discuss each horse’s individual biological and physical needs, deciding on answers for the HEY tool by consensus. If the discussions are robust, the full assessment can take 2-4 hours to complete.
The toolkit includes a scoring chart for all 15 essential needs, behaviour observation guidance and an action plan to promote positive welfare.
Malcolm Morley, director of UK at World Horse Welfare, said: “The shorter, free-to-use HEY tool has been developed to enable owners, grooms, and yard managers to easily assess their own horses’ experiences,
“We hope it gets people talking and sharing their thoughts, with the horses at the centre of the discussion. Everyone’s opinion matters in this process – this really should be a team effort!”
Malcolm added: “It’s really important that people using the HEY focus on what the horses in their care are telling us through their behaviour
“It can be easy to assume we’re meeting our horses’ needs, but if we really pay attention, their behaviour might show otherwise.”
The HEY tool, and guides explaining its use, can be found on the World Horse Welfare website.
Image © Shutterstock.com/Inesmeierfotografie
Treatment can improve pugs' PLE survival, study finds
A new study has explored how treatment can improve the short-term survival of pugs with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE).
Pugs with PLE have previously been linked with higher proportional mortality rates when compared to all other breeds in referral care.
In this latest study, from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), researchers examined the clinical management and outcomes of 51 pugs diagnosed with PLE in UK primary care. The data was collected from the VetCompass programme.
Statistics reveal that 43 per cent of the pugs died presumed due to PLE, with over half of these deaths occurred within three months of the dog’s diagnosis. Sixty-four per cent of these pugs were euthanased, while the remainder had an unassisted death.
For most of the pugs in the study, the cause of their PLE diagnosis was unidentified.
Among the clinical signs for PLE were diarrhoea, vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, weight loss and increased drinking. At the time of death, other signs included pale mucous membranes, seizures and anaemia.
Treatments for PLE are variable, and have included dietary therapy, prednisolone, clopidogrel, cyclosporin and cobalamin supplementation.
The pugs which were prescribed prednisolone or clopidogrel were most likely to be alive three months after their diagnosis. Researchers say this could mean that such treatments can improve pugs’ short-term outcomes.
However, the benefits of the treatments did not persist beyond one or two years after the diagnosis, meaning that further research would be needed for longer-term therapies.
The pugs which were diagnosed with PLE in primary care practice had similar outcomes to those in referral practices. Researchers suggest this could mean a poor prognosis regardless of treatment setting, although this could be due to more severe cases being referred to referral practices.
Aarti Kathrani, lead author of the study, said: “The results of our study will help to increase awareness and highlight the outcome and various causes of death in Pugs with protein-losing enteropathy.
“We hope the results will also help drive much-needed further research into the mechanism, pathophysiology and consequence of this disease, which is needed to help discover effective therapeutic targets that could help improve the prognosis of this guarded condition.”
The full study can be found in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
Image © Shutterstock.com/New Africa
DAERA announces new BVD movement restrictions
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is introducing new movement restrictions to prevent the spread of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) in Northern Ireland.
The measures, enforced from 1 March 2026, will apply to all females aged at least 12 months old which reside in an affected herd.
Under the new rules, these animals will be prohibited from moving from the herd for up to 41 weeks after the removal of the last BVD positive animal.
The restriction would then remain in place until the female has calved and its calf has tested negative for BVD. Restrictions might be lifted earlier if certain blood types are carried out.
The controls are part of a phased implementation of the BVD Control Order (NI) 2024, and are intended to strengthen Northern Ireland’s BVD eradication programme.
DAERA says that these new measures will address the significant risk posed by so-called ‘trojan’ animals. This refers to pregnant females which have been exposed to BVD during gestation, meaning their calves could be persistently infected with BVD.
Such animals are at risk of introducing BVD to previously uninfected herds.
Andrew Muir, DAERA minister, said: “The introduction of ‘trojan’ restrictions marks another essential step towards eliminating BVD from Northern Ireland. The movement of pregnant females that may be carrying BVD infected calves is a hidden source of disease spread and one of the most difficult to control. These new rules directly target that risk.
“Farmers across Northern Ireland have worked hard to reduce disease levels, and these additional controls will help protect that progress. I encourage keepers to work closely with their vets, ensure timely testing, and remain aware of the responsibilities that now apply.”
DAERA has shared more details about the measures on its website.
Image © Shutterstock.com/Ballygally View Images
RVC launches cat and dog hearing clinic
The clinic is delivered by a board-certified neurologist.
The RVC has launched a new hearing clinic at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA).
Established by its Neurology and Neurosurgery Service, the clinic offers hearing tests for litters of puppies and kittens, as well as investigations into hearing loss in adult dogs and cats.
The clinic is delivered by a board-certified neurologist, supported by the RVC’s expert neurology nurses. Referrals can be made by the client’s regular vet.
To assess hearing, the team uses a non-invasive tool known as the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER).
Click sounds are played through headphones placed over the animal’s ears, while five small needle electrodes detect any subsequent electrical signal as the sound information is carried along the hearing pathways.
Dr Abbe Crawford, lecturer in neurology and neurosurgery at the RVC, said: “We are excited to be offering a hearing clinic at the QMHA, which will encompass deafness screening for puppies as well as deafness investigations in adult dogs. By screening puppies for deafness, we can support their early care whilst also, importantly, helping breeders to reduce the incidence of congenital deafness in breeds known to be at risk.
“For adult dogs, in which there is a cause for hearing compromise, we can confirm the presence and severity of that compromise, before then undertaking thorough investigations to try to identify the underlying cause.”
Dr Crawford added: “The hearing clinic also offers exciting learning opportunities for our undergraduate and postgraduate students. They will gain exposure to this rapid, non-invasive, patient-side testing, as well as clinical insights to support their understanding of the auditory system and the diseases that can affect it.”
Image (C) Shutterstock/24K-Production.