Vets issue urgent heatstroke advice
Record high temperatures spark illness concerns.
With temperatures forecast to soar this week, the BVA has issued an urgent reminder to pet owners to prevent potentially fatal heat-related illnesses.
The organisation is advising owners to stick to walks early in the morning or late evening for dogs and to avoid exercising them in the hottest parts of the day.
BVA President Dr Rob Williams said: “Like us, our pets will need extra care to be safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses during this week’s scorching heat. Make sure all pets have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times.
“When it comes to walking or exercising dogs, it’s important not to take them out during the heat of the day - stick to early morning or late evening walks only, and never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory even for a little while.”
BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey, carried out during 2022’s record-breaking heatwave, revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness.
Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions, reported by 51 per cent of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (nine per cent) and cats (six per cent).
Dr Williams added: “It helps to recognise early signs of heatstroke as quick action could save your pet’s life. In dogs, signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination.
“If you suspect heatstroke, take your dog to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cold water to drink if possible, and pour cold water over it to cool it down, before contacting your vet.”
Image (C) Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock.com
Anna Hewison named Young Vet of the Year 2026
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has named Anna Hewison as its Young Vet of the Year for 2026.
Dr Hewison, a 2022 graduate of the University of Nottingham, is a farm veterinary surgeon at Shepton Vets. She is recognised for her consistently high standards of care, clinical excellence and commitment to her development.
An advocate for collaboration between farmers, veterinary professionals and colleagues, Dr Hewison brought new ideas to running the practice’s Youngstock Club. She has developed the club into a more collaborative and effective programme, encouraging closer working relationships and a joined-up approach to youngstock management.
Dr Hewison said: “I cannot believe that I have won this award and feel incredibly honoured. It is especially meaningful given the high standard of nominees. I genuinely love being a farm vet and find it hugely rewarding.
“I’m extremely grateful to my colleagues at Shepton Vets for their support, encouragement and the knowledge they have shared with me throughout my career so far. They have provided me with fantastic opportunities to learn and develop, and this award is very much a reflection of that.
“I would also like to congratulate the other finalists for this award, as well as the finalists and award winners from the other categories.”
Dr Rob Williams, BVA president, added: “Anna is an outstanding veterinary surgeon, and her clinical excellence and leadership is impressive at such a young age and so early in her career.
“It’s inspiring how dedicated she is to developing her skills and strengthening relationships and collaboration with farmers, other veterinary professionals and her team.
“She should be exceptionally proud of her achievements so far and we’re delighted to award her this prestigious title – it’s very well deserved. Well done, Anna.”
This year’s BVA Veterinary Mentor Award has been awarded to Sharon Ann King – a small animal vet at Downes Veterinary Services and a lecturer at Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science.
Dr Williams said: “Vet school can be demanding and for some students, overwhelming. However, Sharon’s personal touch and commitment to ensuring that no one ‘falls into the cracks along the way’ means those she mentors get the compassionate and understanding support they need.
“The stories shared as part of her nomination were very moving and highlighted how she supports and mentors the “whole person” and not just the “vet student”.
Meanwhile the BVA Veterinary Leader Award was presented to farm vet Paul Horwood. Dr Williams praised his innovation, support and ‘calm and effective leadership skills’.
Image © BVA
Updated bovine TB-free strategy published
A co-design steering group has published an updated bovine TB-free strategy, which aims to rid England of the disease by 2038.
The strategy, developed with input from over 100 stakeholders, marks the first update to England’s bovine TB strategy in 12 years.
It highlights plans to tackle the risks of potential hidden TB infections, which could allow the disease to spread within and between herds. The group agreed that such infections should be managed by complementing skin testing with more sensitive tests and private, ancillary testing.
Cattle vaccination also features as an element of the new strategy. The group is working with farmers to ascertain how it would be utilised to block TB transmission between cattle.
The strategy sets out an ambition to deploy a cattle vaccine and DIVA (Detect Infected Among Vaccinated Animals) test by 2030.
The full proposal includes almost 40 recommendations to tackle bovine TB. It will largely focus on spread among cattle, with action implemented beyond cattle where necessary.
It will also strengthen local leadership and delivery, with farmers and veterinary surgeons making decisions locally. They are encouraged to utilise TB data to make decisions for prevention and innovation.
The British Cattle Veterinary Association said: “The strategy rightly places cattle disease control at its core while acknowledging the importance of practical delivery, farmer wellbeing and veterinary expertise. BCVA particularly welcomes the pledge to roll-out cattle vaccination by 2030 and the emphasis on collaboration between farmers and private vets and APHA, giving veterinary teams the tools and flexibility needed to support informed, proactive herd health decisions.”
Meanwhile, the BVA said: “The strategy reflects the importance of collaborative, evidence-led approaches to tackling bovine TB and aligns closely with BVA policy priorities. BVA supports the continued commitment to a comprehensive eradication strategy that is practical, science-based and responsive to the needs of farmers, vets and rural communities.”
The strategy has been developed by a co-design steering group of the Bovine TB Partnership for England. This included APHA, Defra, BVA, BCVA and the NFU.
The full strategy can be found here.
Image © AlbHen/Shutterstock.com
Avian Influenza Prevention Zones lifted across the UK
The UK’s chief veterinary officer has lifted the avian influenza prevention zones (AIPZs) which have been in place across Great Britain.
The measures, which were introduced across the country on 13 December 2024, were lifted at noon on 4 June 2026.
The AIPZs were initially enforced to protect flocks across the country from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which had been circulating in wild birds. However, Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s CVO, has now said that the risk of avian influenza to poultry has reduced.
Dr Middlemiss said: “The evidence clearly shows that the risk of avian influenza to poultry across Great Britain has reduced, making this the right time to lift the Prevention Zones.
“This has been possible because of the hard work of all bird keepers, who have upheld high biosecurity standards for many months. It remains vital that keepers remain vigilant and maintain high levels of biosecurity to keep flocks safe. Low risk does not mean no risk.”
The decision followed a risk assessment which, based on epidemiological and scientific evidence, concluded that the risk had reduced in poultry and wild birds.
Although the AIPZs have been lifted, Defra continues to urge bird keepers to maintain scrupulous biosecurity to prevent and stop the spread. Bird keepers should follow good practice to prevent the risk of future outbreaks.
All bird keepers should be:
• cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
• reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and use effective vermin control
• thoroughly cleansing and disinfecting housing on a continuous basis
• keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points
• minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
Defra has published biosecurity on its website. Avian influenza remains a notifiable disease – suspected cases should be reported to the Defra Rural Services Helpline: 03000 200 301 (Wales: 0300 303 8268; Scotland: contact your local Field Services Office).
Image © Rastkobelic/Shutterstock.com
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Siuna A Reid
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Claire Hodgson
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Veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist
Stephanie Williams
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Norman Johnston
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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
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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
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Goats can follow the direction of human voice, study finds
Researchers highlight the role of domestication in the emergence of this ability.
Next time you’re working with goats and want to lure them in with a tasty treat, just speak a bit louder! That’s according to a new study led by researchers in Zürich, which concludes that goats can follow the direction of human voices.
In the study, researchers tested 29 goats from a sanctuary in the UK using a hidden-object task. In a series of experiments, a human researcher hid behind a barrier out of the goat’s sight. Two identical containers were placed on either side, one of which was baited with food.
In the ‘reward-directed’ speech experiment, the hidden person spoke excitedly towards the baited container, while actually sitting closer to the empty one. In the second experiment, the researcher stayed completely silent, and in the third, they spoke excitedly but directed the voice away from both containers.
The team found that in the reward-directed experiment, the goats chose the food-filled container around 60 per cent of the time. This was well above the chance level and significantly higher than both control conditions.
While this kind of vocal comprehension has been proven in domestic dogs, it has not been found in chimpanzees. Researchers say that discovering this trait in goats suggests that domestication, or close proximity to people, plays a major role in an animal’s ability to decipher human communication.
The team concludes: ‘Some goats are able and spontaneously motivated to use the directionality of human speech to infer the presence and location of food. These data add to the accumulating body of literature examining this largely unexplored aspect of referential processing and provide further evidence that goats are capable of high sensitivity to human social cues.
‘While the exact roles of domestication and experience with humans in the emergence of this trait are unclear, further insight can be provided by broadening the taxonomic survey of these abilities to yet further domesticated and non-domesticated species.'
The study, Domestic goats can follow the direction of human voices to solves a hidden-object task, is published in Royal Society Open Science.
Image (C) Claudia Ayus/Shutterstock.
Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.
The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress.
Image ©Hryshchyshen Serhii/Shutterstock.com
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers
The change only applies to new applicants.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.
The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD’s ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.
The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD’s Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.
Image (C) NatliaK/Shutterstock
Rescue rabbit celebrates milestone 15th birthday
Archie Bun proves that rabbits are a long-term commitment
A rescue rabbit from St Neots has joined the ranks of the world’s oldest living rabbits at the remarkable age of 15.
Archie Bun celebrated the milestone in May, having been adopted from Woodgreen Pets Charity over a decade ago.
Incredibly, his birthday came just weeks after Herbie, a lionhead rabbit, was named World’s Oldest Living Rabbit by Guinness World Records, at 15 years and 246 days.
A faithful companion to another rescue rabbit, Bobby, Archie has brought many years of joy to the Lees family, who knew he was “the one” as soon as they saw him.
Andrea Lees said: “All the other rabbits were being a little shy, but not Archie Bun. He was sitting up tall and proud on a box in his enclosure as if he was waiting for us. We laughed and started singing the lyrics from Lionel Richie’s Hello – ‘Is it me you’re looking for?’ – it turns out, it was.”
Archie Bun, affectionately known as Mr Ears, settled well into family life. As Bobby grew older and her health declined, Archie continued to look after and protect her.
Samantha Ryan, Woodgreen’s behaviour and training specialist for small pets, said: “Archie Bun’s 15th birthday not only places him alongside the world’s oldest living rabbit, but also shows that rabbits are a long-term commitment; a message we’re particularly eager to share ahead of this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (22 – 26 June).
“While many people are surprised to learn that rabbits can live for 10 years or more, Archie Bun’s story is a touching reminder of the lifelong bond that can develop between rabbits and the people who love them, and shows just what can be achieved when rabbits receive the care they need to live full lives. Happy birthday Archie Bun.”
Image (C) WoodGreen Pets Charity.
Webinar to explore Haemonchus treatment decisions
The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Agriculture (RUMA Agriculture) is to chair a joint livestock webinar into the treatment of Haemonchus.
The webinar, 'Haemonchus – The challenge of treatment decisions', takes place on 29 June 2026 from 4pm-5.30pm. is designed to support farmers, vets and SQPs to make informed decisions about treating their sheep.
A panel of experts will highlight the significant difference between the presence of the parasite Haemonchus and development of the clinical disease haemonchosis.
Haemonchus is described as one of the most challenging parasites faced by sheep owners. RUMA Agriculture says that many producers will have encountered it for the first time in 2025.
Meanwhile haemonchosis is a highly pathogenic disease which can be caused by the Haemonchus contortus, also known as the barber’s pole worm.
The session will bring together leading voices from animal health and sheep production sectors. Among the organisations represented at the webinar are the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS), the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
It is chaired by RUMA Agriculture, an organisation which promotes the responsible use of medicines in the sector.
Experts will seek to improve the understanding of Haemonchus as a parasite, including its clinical signs. Attendees will be guided in the use of FAMACHA cards and training as a potential new tool for tackling the parasite. There will also be discussion into some farming case studies from 2025.
Speakers include Dave Bartley (Moredun Institute), Rob Kelly (University of Edinburgh), Nerys Wright (SCOPS) and Jonathan Hobbs (SVS). All speakers will contribute to a panel discussion at the end of the session.
Chris Lloyd, RUMA Agriculture secretary general, said: “The session will bring together leading voices from across animal health and sheep production to share practical insight on identifying risk, recognising disease and deciding when treatment is necessary.”
Attendees can book a place on the webinar here. SQPs can earn CPD points from attendance.
Image © Dew_gdragon/Shutterstock.com
Study reveals insights on faecal microbiota transplantation
Randomised trial concludes no clear clinical benefit over dietary change alone.
There is no clear evidence that faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) improves clinical outcomes in dogs with chronic enteropathy, according to new research.
The study, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, describes a blinded randomised controlled trial led by the medicine team at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service.
In the study, the team recruited 42 dogs from six UK referral centres that presented with small intestinal or mixed diarrhoea.
They randomly assigned the dogs to receive either faecal microbiota transplantation and a dietary change (a hydrolysed or novel protein diet), or the standard treatment of a dietary change only.
The researchers performed the faecal microbiota transplantation using fresh faecal material from screened donor dogs, administered by a retention rectal enema under sedation.
Both groups of dogs showed progressive improvement over time in stool consistency, confirming the high rate of food responsiveness in canine chronic enteropathy. However, the team noted no significant differences between groups in owner-reported clinical improvement, Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI) or faecal score after 90 days.
No major adverse events attributable to FMT were reported during the study, suggesting that the procedure is safe.
The study concludes that FMT administered via retention enema did not provide a clear clinical benefit over dietary change alone, although researchers say more research is required to evaluate repeat administration, extended course (e.g. via oral administration), or larger transplant volumes.
Lead author, Dr Fergus Allerton, said: “The authors are proud to add some valuable data from this RCT to the literature around FMT. This field continues to advance rapidly with new findings reported frequently.
“The absence of clinical benefit in this study should not be interpreted as evidence of absence but, nonetheless, does highlight the need for rigorous studies to support novel therapies. More work with adjusted FMT protocols is warranted. We look forward to continuing to investigate ways to foster a healthy gastrointestinal microbiome.”
Image (C) Schubbel/Shutterstock.com.
Charity issues warning over poor rabbit diets
RSPCA highlights concerns during the 20th Rabbit Awareness Week campaign.
Poor nutrition is leading to obesity, digestive problems and severe dental disease in the nation’s rabbits, the RSPCA has warned.
As the 20th Rabbit Awareness Week gets underway (22-26 June), the charity is encouraging rabbit owners to feed their animals a diet rich in fibre and to forgo the muesli-style rabbit food.
The appeal comes as the RSPCA highlights the welfare challenges of rescued rabbits, including a lop-eared rabbit named Bobby. Bobby was taken to RSPCA Kent Isle of Thanet Branch by inspectors in March, suffering from horrendously overgrown teeth.
While lop rabbits like Bobby can suffer from dental issues owing to their skull structure, he’d been fed mostly muesli-style food and limited hay.
Centre manager Hannah White said: “The vet said they’d never seen teeth so bad that they curled up to the palate before. His molars were causing eye problems, including continuous discharge and discomfort.”
Sadly, Bobby had to be euthanised on veterinary advice, as the necessary dental work would have placed him under regular stress.
According to the RSPCA, there are an estimated 800,000 pet rabbits in the UK. However, they remain among the most vulnerable pets to neglect and poor welfare due to common misconceptions about their needs.
The charity is concerned that dietary choices remain a common area of misconception among rabbit owners.
RSPCA science and policy officer Eloise Dicks said: “A good diet keeps a rabbit's digestive system working properly, helps wear down their continuously growing teeth, prevents obesity and supports long-term health.
“Rabbits need a diet made up of around 85 per cent fresh grass or hay, supplemented with leafy greens and a small portion of good-quality nuggets.
“While other suitable fruits and veggies can be offered, they should be given in very small quantities as occasional treats. Rabbits have evolved to require a high-fibre diet and to spend a significant portion of their day foraging and eating; replicating this natural behaviour for pet rabbits is essential for keeping them healthy.
“Sadly, we often see rabbits come into our care suffering from serious, preventable health issues linked to an incorrect diet. Helping owners better understand their rabbit's needs and providing practical guidance on how to meet them is vital for improving rabbit welfare, which is precisely why this year's Rabbit Awareness Week messaging is so essential."
Image (C) RSPCA.
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New feline blood service announced
The change has ‘been a long time in the making’.
Pet Blood Bank UK has announced it will soon be launching a feline blood service.
The news follows authorisation from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), marking a significant new chapter in veterinary transfusion medicine for cats across the country. It also comes after many years of behind-the-scenes development work by the charity.
Until now, access to feline blood products has been a significant challenge due to the lack of a dedicated service. This new service promises to bridge the gap, providing vets with a reliable, welfare-focused source of feline blood products, just as the charity does for dogs.
Wendy Barnett, veterinary nurse and clinical director at Pet Blood Bank UK, will spearhead the development of the service.
Wendy said: “We know how much a dedicated feline service is needed, having heard that message clearly from veterinary colleagues over many years. We are absolutely delighted that we can now say it’s happening.
“This has been a long time in the making, and we’re incredibly proud to be taking this next step to support cats, their owners, and the veterinary teams who take care of them.”
Further details about the service will be announced in due course. Meanwhile, the charity would like to hear from anyone interested in registering their cats as donors.
To qualify as a blood donor, cats must be fit and healthy, between one and eight years old, have a good temperament, and weigh over 4.5kg.
Image (C) evrymmnt/Shutterstock.com
BSAVA announces Clinical Research Abstract winners 2026
The winners of the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstract Awards 2026 have been announced.
Held at BVA Live in Birmingham, the event gave more than 60 authors the opportunity to showcase their work through oral presentations and poster displays within the exhibition hall.
Topics spanned a wide range of small animal medicine, from preliminary study findings and innovative techniques to compelling case discussions. The two-day programme offered delegates valuable insight into the latest advances in veterinary medicine.
BSAVA President Julian Hoad was one of the judges for this year. Speaking about the Clinical Research Abstracts, he said: “The standard of submissions this year was exceptionally high, reflecting the strength and diversity of clinical research taking place across the profession.
“The quality, enthusiasm, and innovation on display were truly inspiring, and it’s clear that these researchers are helping to drive veterinary medicine forward. A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners and all who presented for their outstanding contributions.”
This year’s Outstanding Oral Abstract Presentation went to Henry Cloete, a Small Animal Medicine resident at the University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital.
Henry received the award for his presentation titled Risk factors associated with the development of suspected feline injection site sarcomas identified in a sentinel network of UK primary care veterinary practices.’
He said: “I am honoured to receive the BSAVA Clinical Abstract Award for Outstanding Oral Abstract. It is particularly rewarding to see this work recognised, as it reflects a collaborative effort between researchers, clinicians, and the veterinary practices and pet owners contributing data through SAVSNET.
“I hope these findings contribute to a better understanding of feline injection site sarcomas and help support evidence-based discussions around feline vaccination in clinical practice.”
Emily Clark, a graduate of the University of Glasgow, was awarded Outstanding Poster Abstract Presentation for her project titled: ‘Serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations help to predict azotaemia following radio-iodine treatment of hyperthyroid cats’.
Emily said: "I am delighted to receive this award from the BSAVA. It is exciting to be involved in research that can help guide clinical decision-making in practice, and presenting my findings at BVA Live was a fantastic opportunity to share this work.”
BSAVA’s Student Poster Abstract Presentation went to Katie Ennis for her poster titled Hot Cats: Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness in cats under UK emergency veterinary care during 2022 and 2023.
A final-year veterinary student at the Royal Veterinary College, Katie has a background in companion animal research following her undergraduate BioVeterinary Sciences degree. Following graduation, Katie is entering a mixed small animal and equine practice and hopes to pursue her interest in research further.
Finally, the BSAVA PetSavers Clinical Research Abstract Award was awarded to Izzy Adams for her poster ‘Pride and Purr-judice: Perception of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) by veterinary personnel, animal shelter staff and cat owners’.
Izzy, who is a student and feline enthusiast at the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, said: "It was an incredible honour just to receive a BSAVA PetSavers grant and present my abstract at BVA Live. This award has redefined my expectations of my own capabilities as a veterinarian and researcher.
“I am beyond excited to share my project with a larger audience, and reaching this many people makes me feel that I truly can make a difference to the welfare of FIV-positive cats."
Image (C) BSAVA.
DAERA updates exempted dog requirements
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has updated requirements for exempted dogs in Northern Ireland.
The two changes are applicable to those holding an Exemption Certificate for a prohibited dog breed. They follow new measures announced by Defra for England and Wales last week.
From 1 November 2026, dog owners must not allow a child under the age of 12 to be left in close proximity to a prohibited breed type dog in a home or other private setting without adult supervision.
The safeguard is expected to reduce the risk of serious injury to children in domestic environments. These dogs will still be able to remain with families where there is appropriate supervision is in place.
Failure to comply with these conditions could result in enforcement, which may include seizure of the dog and prosecution of the owner. DAERA will share further guidance ahead of the requirement coming into effect.
Andrew Muir, DAERA minister, said: “To enhance child safety, I now plan to introduce similar steps being taken in England and Wales from 1 November prohibiting a child under the age of 12 to be left in close proximity to a prohibited breed type dog in a home or other private setting without adult supervision.
“Although this legal requirement only applies to prohibited breed-types, any dog can pose a risk in certain situations. Owners should be reminded of guidance that young children should always be supervised around all dogs.”
DAERA has also followed Defra in removing the requirement on owners holding third party liability insurance.
From 1 July 2026, dog owners will no longer be required to hold third party liability insurance to obtain an Exemption Certificate. This matches steps being taken across the UK and aligns with the current requirements in the Republic of Ireland.
Local councils will be contacting prohibited breed owners in the coming weeks with updated exemption certificates.
Any other conditions attached to an Exemption Certificate will remain in place. Owners do not need to take any additional action as a result of the changes.
Image © Sue Thatcher/Shutterstock.com
SCOPS warns of parasite 'perfect storm'
The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) has urged vigilance amid what it calls a ‘perfect storm’ for worm challenges in pasture.
It describes how a recent period of wet weather, followed by hot and dry spells across the UK, could increase the parasite burdens of lambs.
The wet weather will enable worm larvae to survive and move up the grass stem. This increases the risk of ingestion by grazing lambs.
It also releases large numbers of larvae from dung pats as they break down in the rain.
SCOPS encourages farmers to carry out regular faecal egg counts (FECs) to monitor parasite levels and support treatment decisions. However, during these conditions, farmers must be on guard for a sudden increase in infective larvae on their pasture.
Farmers are also being advised against routine blanket treatment.
SCOPS advocates the use of FECs, grazing management and Daily Liveweight Gain (DLWG) to catch worm challenges early. Farmers should then implement targeted treatments.
Nerys Wright, technical adviser for SCOPS, said: “It is really important to consider how lambs are performing in terms of daily liveweight gains (DLWG) and their general appearance because there can be a delay of two to three weeks between larvae being ingested and eggs appearing in the faeces, so farmers must trust their stockperson’s eye and daily liveweight gain alongside FEC results,”
“By testing regularly and acting early, farmers can avoid performance losses and reduce the need for whole-flock treatments. It’s about being strategic and responsive to the conditions on your farm.”
The majority of the UK is in the post-hatch phase for nematodirus larvae. Meanwhile, much of Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland are at, or just after, peak hatch.
SCOPS urges farmers to remain vigilant, especially in hill or upland areas where a significant hatch may still occur.
Image © Erwin Bosman/Shutterstock.com
Cat the Vet receives BVA Outstanding Service Award
Cat Henstridge, a small animal veterinary surgeon and social media influencer, was awarded the BVA Outstanding Service Award at this year’s BVA Live.
Ms Henstridge, known online as Cat the Vet, received the award in recognition of her contribution to advancing public understanding of veterinary science and animal welfare.
Through her social media platform, Ms Henstridge shares evidence-based veterinary science to her followers. By communicating veterinary topics in an accessible way, BVA says that she empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their pets’ health and welfare.
Ms Henstridge said: “My aim has always been to champion that and help the public gain a greater understanding of who we are and why we do what we do. To now be considered a leader by my peers and someone worthy of this award is a huge honour and I could not be more grateful.”
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “Cat’s social media presence helps to endear the profession to the general public and communicate complex veterinary topics in an accessible way to a wider audience.
“Her willingness to put herself forward in a public space on behalf of the profession helps to tackle misinformation online and champion vets, as well as directly helping pet owners to make informed decisions about their animal’s care.”
The BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal) has been awarded to Professor Tom McNeilly.
Prof McNeilly, who is director of the Moredun Research Institute, has contributed a number of projects exploring vaccinology of multiple animal species. With work spanning parasitic, viral and bacterial research, his output has resulted in patents and commercial income from worldwide sources.
His work at the Moredun Research Institute sees him lead scientific teams working on preventing endemic diseases.
Prof McNeilly said: “I am truly honored to receive the Dalrymple-Champneys cup and medal. This list of past recipients is truly awe-inspiring, and I am very grateful to BVA and the selection committee for giving me such a prestigious award.
“As with many things in life, this has been a real team effort, and my veterinary career has been supported by many others.”
Meanwhile the BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award) went to Dr Romain Pizzi.
Dr Pizzi, who is a former president of BVA’s Scottish Branch, is recognised for working overseas with a range of wild and endangered species. He is known for performing and publishing a number of global firsts for wildlife medicine.
As well as pioneering with new techniques, Dr Pizzi also teaches such techniques to the wider veterinary community across the world.
Dr Pizzi said: “I do hope many other British vets are inspired to help their veterinary colleagues in developing countries in all the many different facets of veterinary care we now work in, to improve the health and welfare of the maximum number of animals on the planet we can."
Image © BVA
GBGB announces British-bred registration service
The Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) has announced details for a new Mating and Registration Service for British-bred greyhounds.
Through the service, breeders will be able to register the matings and litters of dogs bred in Great Britain directly with GBGB. This applies to puppies whelped and earmarked in England, Scotland and Wales.
From 22 June 2026, GBGB’s Registry Department will oversee a new British Breeding Register for stud dogs and brood bitches.
The service enables all registration processes which were previously handled solely by the Greyhound Stud Book to be processed through GBGB.
Those who own greyhounds intended for breeding will be able to join the Register, and report any subsequent matings. The system accepts registrations of brood bitches, stud dogs, matings and litters.
Users of the Mating and Litter Service must also comply with GBGB’s new Mating and Litter Registration Policy. GBGB says this ‘underpins the service’, ensuring required welfare standards are met for all greyhounds involved with breeding.
Owners of puppies which have been registered with GBGB from birth will also see a simplified process when naming and registering their greyhounds to race.
Mark Bird, GBGB CEO, said: “By bringing this registration system in-house, we have aimed to make the litter registration process quick and efficient for breeders and owners. Thank you to those who have enquired for their patience while we have been getting the systems up and running.
“We are also grateful to those who have provided helpful feedback and insight as we have designed and tested these new processes, which we will continue to review as they are rolled out.”
Tony Brealey, GBGB owner practitioner director, said: “It’s good to see the new GBGB registration system launched to give owners and breeders an alternative. It will speed up initial puppy registration and allow easier registration for racing.”
The British Breeding Register charges an annual £25 fee for stud dogs, with no fee for registering brood bitches on a one-off application. There is no charge for registering a mating, provided it is registered within the required 14 days.
Breeders can still use the Greyhound Stud Book if they prefer, with GBGB continuing to process greyhound puppies as usual.
Image © Chen Te/Shutterstock
Dental disease prevalent in wild hedgehogs, study suggests
Researchers use a new scoring system for assessing dental health.
New research led by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has found an increasing number of wild hedgehogs are developing dental disease.
Using a newly developed scoring system, researchers conducted veterinary assessments, including dental exams, on 95 Western European hedgehogs admitted to a shelter in Germany.
A statistical analysis of their findings, published in Springer Nature journal, reveals that 44 per cent of the hedgehogs had dental disease. Of these cases, low disease severity was the most common assessment, and tartar was the most common problem.
The study also found an association between higher body weight and dental disease, indicating that hedgehogs may be consuming man-made food more regularly than before.
High-sugar, low-mineral foods are softer and require less effort to chew, compared to the hedgehog’s natural diet of mainly insects, which the study suggests may be affecting their dental health.
Ines Stegmaier-Länge, a postgraduate Master's student at the Royal (Dick) School, said: “Dental health in western European hedgehogs in rehabilitation is worse than was perceived in previous studies, according to our results.
“Examination under anaesthesia for rescued hedgehogs weighing more than 250g, where possible, would be good practice in establishing the extent of dental disease.
“Our scoring system for dental health is intended as a useful tool in supporting vets to assess the condition of animals”.
Image (C) Dr. MYM/Shutterstock.
RCVS Council approves specialty training proposals
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council has approved proposals for a future programme for primary care veterinary surgeons.
The programme aims to expand and diversify the career options available to the veterinary profession.
The development of the curriculum was part of the College’s Veterinary Clinical Career Paths (VCCP) project, which was launched in 2024. Its first workstream sought to develop a new curriculum for primary care speciality training for veterinary surgeons in general practice.
It was motivated by a lack of clinical career development opportunities for the demographic, which is currently limited to postgraduate certificate qualifications and the potential for RCVS Advanced Practitioner status.
The proposal was informed by a range of stakeholder engagement events and developed by the VCCP proposal group. The working group, headed by medical GP Professor Nick Cooper, comprised of advanced practitioners, specialists, rural practitioners, new graduates and representatives from different areas of practice.
The curriculum document is the first of its kind to be published. The syllabus consists of a range of modules, including clinical and professional skills with core skills complemented by elective options.
Professor Tim Parkin, RCVS President and Chair of RCVS Education Committee, said: “The introduction of this speciality training is an exciting progression. With change on the horizon in many areas of the profession, we’re delighted that as part of this ongoing evolution we will be able to provide further career opportunities for vets in general practice.
“The proposals were passed unanimously by our Education Committee before going to Council for formal approval, where the document was met with immense positivity and enthusiasm.”
Professor Nick Cooper added: “This programme will enable general practice to be recognised as a specialty in its own right, highlighting the immense value vets working in general practice bring to animal health and welfare.
“Not only will it support the future of the profession from a clinical perspective, but it also has the potential to support increased professional engagement and role satisfaction.”
The College will consult with the profession in the coming weeks, starting with stakeholder groups and progressing to a full consultation.
Image © RCVS
Vets honoured with 2026 BVA Awards
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has recognised a number of veterinary professionals at its annual BVA Awards Dinner.
The ceremony, which took place as part of BVA Live, saw the organisation present seven awards – including three new accolades.
Among the new awards was the BVA One Health and Sustainability Award. Launched in honour of past president Simon Doherty, who was a champion of sustainability and One Health, the award celebrates initiatives that drives increased awareness and action on key issues.
The inaugural winner was announced as Dr Laura Higham, the founder of sustainability charity Vet Sustain.
Dr Higham is recognised for her leadership skills, which have guided practices with embedding One Health principles and positioned vets as key contributors to environmental sustainability, food system resilience and public health. BVA describes Vet Sustain as the first coordinated platform dedicated to empowering vets to act on sustainability.
She said: “It is such an honour to receive this award. Sustainability and One Health have become a defining part of my career, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be recognised for work I am so passionate about.
“I would like to thank BVA for this recognition and congratulate all of the finalists. It is a privilege to be part of a profession that is so committed to creating more sustainable future for animals, people and the environment.”
The BVA Veterinary Mentor Award was presented to Sharon Ann King. She was described as an ‘inspirational mentor’, who goes above and beyond for her mentees.
Ms King is a small animal vet at Downes Veterinary Services and a lecturer in Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science. Her nominations mentioned her personal touch and her approach to student support.
She said: “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been nominated for this award, let alone be named as the winner! To play even a small role in supporting and helping to shape the next generation of vets is a real privilege, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
“I feel very proud to be part of a profession that places such importance on mentorship and supporting our students and colleagues.”
Meanwhile Paul Horwood, farm vet and IVC’s head of farm and exports, received the BVA Veterinary Leader Award 2026.
Mr Horwood was recognised for inspiring and supporting others with ‘calm, principled and highly effective leadership’. His nomination described him guiding organisations and individuals through complex situations ‘with clarity and confidence’.
He said: “The key is to keep listening, keep learning and striving to improve. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with talented colleagues who challenge, support and inspire me every day, and this award is as much a reflection of them as it is of me.”
Image © BVA
Superhero pets recognised for life-saving blood donations
Anna and Harriet are enrolled on the RVC Blood Donor Programme.
A six-year-old greyhound and an eight-year-old domestic shorthair cat have been recognised for their life-saving blood donations.
The animals, Anna the greyhound and Harriet the cat, have helped to save and treat hundreds of pets through blood donations used at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals.
In recognition of this incredible feat, the duo have been officially named Canine and Feline Blood Donors of the Year by the RVC Animal Care Trust, the charitable arm of the Royal Veterinary College.
Anna the greyhound has made 10 blood donations since joining the RVC’s Blood Donor Programme in 2022. Described by her owners, Peter and Denise Dillon, as having a “relaxed personality at home”, she is always eager to attend her appointments.
Commenting on her award, Peter and Denise said: “To say that we were surprised and delighted to hear of the award for Anna would be the understatement of the year.
“When we arrive for a session and we think it would be a good idea for a walk on the grass, she doesn’t agree and pulls us straight into reception. On arrival in the centre, she has a quick tour of the room, then jumps onto the table, lies down and looks up as if to say ‘what are we waiting for’.
“The team always generate a relaxed and calming atmosphere and are obviously very happy in what they do.”
Harriet the cat had made 12 donations since joining the Blood Donor Programme in 2021. She was initially introduced to the initiative by Simon Cook, a senior lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at the RVC, who recognised the ongoing need for more pet blood donors.
According to Harriet’s owners, Harriet takes donating in stride and also enjoys relaxing in the peaceful environment of the purpose-built centre.
Harriet’s owners, Nick and Anne Cook, said: “We’re all very honoured that Harriet is being rewarded in this way. As animal lovers, it is great to know she has been able to help really sick cats that are in difficulty.
“The Blood Donor Team are marvellous. So dedicated and always really friendly and communicative. If you are an animal lover, please consider enrolling your cats or dogs to the RVC Blood Donor Programme. They will be helping other beloved family pets.”
Image (C) RVC.
RUMA CA&E launch condition-specific toolkits
The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal & Equine (RUMA CA&E) has launched two condition-specific digital toolkits for the veterinary profession.
Its new resources focus on antimicrobial usage when treating canine acute diarrhoea and cat bite abscesses/cat fight wounds.
The RUMA CA&E Alliance selected these topics as ‘in practice focus areas’ since antimicrobial usage had been traditionally high. However, the group says that evidence and clinical experience proves most patients did not need treatment with antibiotics.
For cases of canine acute diarrhoea, it advises that most dogs recover without antibiotics and without the risk of antibiotic side effects. Only dogs with significant systemic signs may need antibiotics.
Meanwhile, for cat bite abscesses and cat fight wounds, drainage and flushing are considered the key interventions. Antibiotics are considered unnecessary unless there are complicating factors.
The toolkits will act as practical support for practices: signposting evidence, providing decision-making flowcharts and engaging client-facing materials.
RUMA CA&E’s project forms part of a wider initiative to deliver the first national antimicrobial use (AMU) reduction targets for dogs and cats.
Its targets, announced in November 2025, aim for a 30 per cent reduction in overall AMU in dogs and cats. It also hopes to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in highest priority critically important antibiotic use in cats over the next five years.
Steve Howard, secretary general of RUMA CA&E, said: “If stewardship efforts are going to gain traction, they need to begin with conditions where the evidence is strong, the case for change is clear, and the impact can be meaningful. Canine acute diarrhoea and cat bite abscesses/cat fight wounds fit that criteria well.
“Both are common in first-opinion practice, both have historically been associated with antimicrobial prescribing, and in both cases the combination of evidence and clinical opinion and experience suggests that most patients do not require antibiotics. That makes them practical, high-impact starting points for helping teams review prescribing in everyday consultations.”
Abi Seager, CEO at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), added: “These resources will help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use while maintaining effective treatment and high standards of animal health and welfare. We look forward to continuing to work with partners to ensure this contributes to national efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance.”
The toolkits can be accessed on RUMA CA&E’s website.
Image © FamVeld/Shutterstock.com
Cats Protection discusses 'exploitative' breeding at Parliament
Cats Protection met with MPs and House of Lords members this week to discuss key cat welfare issues.
The Summer Reception, hosted by Johanna Baxter MP, saw 77 parliamentarians join Cats Protection at the informal, drop-in event.
A key discussion point at the session was exploitative cat breeding practices. The charity is calling for a ban on breeding cats with extreme characteristics, especially with sick and suffering cats being sold online.
It comes after the charity delivered 60,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street calling for cat breeding regulations.
The 2025 Cats And Their Stats report found that 36 per cent of owned cats in the UK were pedigrees, up from 23 per cent five years ago. This includes an increase in ‘designer’ cats, with extreme features like folded ears, flat faces or hairless bodies.
The charity warns that these characteristics can lead to chronic health problems and an extremely poor quality of life.
Among the other topics at the reception were Cats Protections’ campaign against electric shock collars and its calls to restrict fireworks to minimise stress to cats.
Volunteers and staff also spoke to guests about their essential work in cat rehoming, neutering and owner education. There were also representatives from the charity’s Lifeline service, which provides cat fostering services for owners fleeing domestic abuse, and Paws to Listen, a grief support service for people grieving the loss of their cat.
Johanna Baxter MP said: “I was delighted to sponsor the Cats Protection Parliamentary Reception. It was a great opportunity to discuss and celebrate cats and the people who love and care for them.
“It was especially heartening to hear about how the Renters Rights Act is helping ensure that all those who want to experience the joy of having a cat, can do so – irrespective of whether they rent or own their homes.”
Madison Rogers, associate director of Advocacy, Campaigns and External Affairs, said “Cats Protection is proud to make a difference nationally and in local constituencies through the dedication of our employees and volunteers. We look forward to working closely with parliamentarians to ensure cats and the people who care for them receive the protection and support they deserve.”
Image © Cats Protection