Professor Sandy Trees BVM&S, PhD, MRCVS has been appointed as the new chairman of the Moredun Research Institute (MRI). He will lead the Moredun Research Institute while the Moredun Foundation will continue to be led by John Ross. He succeeds previous chairman John Jeffrey, who served from 2004 to 2011. Professor Trees is internationally recognised for his knowledge of veterinary parasitology. He has previously served as the head of Parasite and Vector Biology Division at the University of Liverpool's Faculty of Veterinary Science and later as Dean of the entire faculty until his retirement in 2008. He subsequently served as President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for 2009.

"Britain's best loved vet" will return to our screens in a new three-part series this Christmas. Scottish actor Iain de Caestecker will star in 'Young James Herriot' as future vet Alf Wight. The series' writers drew on Wight's diaries and case notes from his student years, as well as the biography written by his son Jim. The Glasgow Veterinary College of 1933 has been described as "an inspired setting" and the stories "will be delivered with charm and humour." 'Young James Herriot' will be shown on BBC1 on December 18th 2011 at 9pm, and will be concluded over the following two nights.

Professor Jeff Sampson will be retiring from his role as Genetics Consultant to the Kennel Club at the end of the year. Professor Sampson has worked with dogs for over thirty years and has been instrumental - in his 13 years working with Canine Genetics at the Kennel Club - in the development of the Assured Breeder Scheme and the Club's work with the Animal Health Trust, as well as the birth and growth of the online Mate Select program. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "He will be greatly missed and we wish him well as he finally takes to true retirement."

DEFRA have approved the BEVA emergency treatment form, which should be used by vets who are treating a horse without a passport, and a copy given to owners to keep for their records. After a delay in its finalisation, it has now been decided that the form is the best cause of action and DEFRA has declared its support. The form will shortly be available on the BEVA website.

Dr Tiffany Hemming has been elected the new chair of the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation, the veterinary profession's own animal welfare charity. After graduating, she worked in mixed practice before completing her doctorate in epidemoiology in Canada. She has been a veterinary officer in the Territorial Army and transferred to the Regular Army in 2000. She is "delighted" at her election.

Scientists and clinicians from the Animal Health Trust have held two briefing events for vets and stakeholders affected by Seasonal Canine Illness. More than 50 veterinary professionals attended the briefings, which were designed to inform those closest to the investigation what progress has been made into the illness. The AHT is continuing its investigation based at five sites in Norfolk, Suffolk and Nottinghamshire.