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BSAVA ‘retires’ annual Congress after 68 years
March 2025 marked BSAVA's final congress.
Organisation shares plans to focus on ‘new initiatives’.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has announced the end of its annual BSAVA Congress.

In a statement published yesterday, BSAVA president Julian Hoad revealed plans to focus its resources on new initiatives it said would better serve its members.

Dr Hoad described ‘extensive research’ with its members, which explored their education and development needs. It also addressed what members felt was required by the wider profession.

He said the research findings revealed that BSAVA needed to offer more agile solutions for veterinary surgeons and nurses.

This means that March 2025 marked BSAVA’s final congress, with the congress website now closed. The landing page reads ‘Thank You For 68 Great Years, Excited For What’s Next’.

BSAVA first launched its congress in March 1958, just one year after its inaugural meeting. The first congress took place at the Shaftesbury Hotel London and was attended by 245 veterinary surgeons.

Future congresses were held in various locations in London, with the venue changing as the event grew in popularity. In 1982, BSAVA marked its 25th anniversary with the Congress Ball.

BSAVA Congress became big enough to become a multi-site event in 2002, moving to the National Indoor Arena. BSAVA soon took over the International Convention Centre (ICC) for its clinical sessions and the National Indoor Arena for its exhibition.

In 2018 BSAVA announced that it would be moving the Congress to Manchester Central from 2021, hosting its last Congress in Birmingham in 2020 to mark 30 years in the city.

However it was forced to cancel this event due to the COVID pandemic, with BSAVA Congress 2021 being held online. From 2022-2025 the Congress was held at its new home at Manchester Central.

Julian Hoad said: “As an organisation we’re extremely proud of the legacy Congress leaves behind. It’s been a cherished and valuable event for the profession over the last 68 years, and we want to thank all who’ve been part of that legacy.”

Image © BSAVA

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.