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WSAVA announces free COVID-19 webinar
The webinar will set out the latest COVID-19 advice for veterinary professionals.
Panel of experts to advise on optimal preventative care during the pandemic

The WSAVA has announced a free webinar for veterinary professionals setting out the latest thinking and advice on the COVID-19 crisis.

The webinar, entitled 'COVID-19 and Companion Animals: What we know today', will take place on Friday, 17 April at 15.00hrs (London). During the event, a panel of experts will advise on optimal preventative care during the pandemic and on the importance of promoting pet welfare and supporting the human-companion animal bond during this difficult time.

Speakers will include Dr Vanessa Barrs, Professor of Companion Animal Health at the City University of Hong Kong; Dr Michael Lappin, Chair of the WSAVA One Health Committee and WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is causing distress and uncertainty for us all. It also poses a significant and real threat to companion animal welfare, particularly given conflicting media reports as to whether pets can spread the virus,” explained Dr Shane Ryan.

“While the situation continues to evolve, we hope that our speakers can bring clarity to all veterinarians so that they can reassure their clients, their co-workers and their communities based on the evidence available. We hope our recommendations will also help them to continue to provide the highest standard of care to their patients.”

The webinar will take place at 14.00hrs GMT {10.00hrs (EST); 15.00hrs (London); 22.00hrs (Hong Kong)} on Friday, April 17, 2020, and will later be available on the WSAVA COVID-19 resource hub. Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMCYLATHhzs to register your interest.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.