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AHT announces proposal to close referral clinics
"We must make difficult decisions to create a possible future for the AHT" - Steve Shore, AHT Trustee.
Charity to revert to core purpose of veterinary and scientific research. 

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) has announced a proposal to close its small animal and equine referral clinics in a bid to secure its future success.

In March 2020, the charity announced that it was facing closure following a period of 'dire financial constraint' and with the economic impact of COVID-19 having a direct effect on funding and operations. Since then, the Trustees and Executive Committee have been working to save the unique work undertaken at the Trust.

In its latest update, the AHT said that if the charity is to continue, the 'only viable option is for it to revert to its core purpose of providing world-renowned veterinary and scientific research'. As a result, and subject to consideration, the Trustees are proposing to close the AHT’s small animal and equine referral clinics.

AHT Trustee Steve Shore explains: “The work at the Animal Health Trust is truly unique and being told that the referral clinics could be closing and there is no longer a job for you is a terrible prospect and especially difficult for our teams of dedicated vets, nurses and support staff all of whom take so much pride and care in looking after their patients and owners. But we must make difficult decisions to create a possible future for the AHT.

“We also need to do this right, which means we will work closely with our employees and representatives, as appropriate and going through a formal consultation process with everyone affected.

He continued: “The Animal Health Trust was founded nearly 80 years ago by Dr W Reg Wooldridge who wanted the charity to promote veterinary research and prevent suffering in companion animals. The Trustees believe in making this difficult decision the AHT will continue to have this vision at its heart and will give it the best chance of future success.”

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.