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Wild animal ban in circuses
Draft Bill spells success for campaigners

Welfare charities and veterinary associations alike have celebrated the announcement of a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

A draft Bill, which was published on 16 April, will make it illegal for wild animals to be used in circus performances in England from 1 December 2015.

Welcoming the move, BVA president Peter Jones said: "I am heartened that we will soon see the end of the exploitation of these animals in the confines of a circus."

Along with organisations including the RSPCA, Born Free Foundation and the Captive Animals' Protection Society, the BVA have been campaigning for a ban for some time.

The basis of the groups' argument has been that the environmental needs of wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus, nor can their need to express normal behaviour.

All four organisations said they will support the government in the formal enactment of the Bill, and the RSPCA and Born Free Foundation have reiterated their pledge to find safe homes for the wild animals currently being used in circuses in England.

The BVA will be consulting its members on these proposals once the Bill has been studied. This, Mr Jones says, will "ensure that we can help to develop appropriate and robust legislation."

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk