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Nutrition course joins Vet Nurse Merit Awards
Georgina Woods RVN will lead the new VNMA Nutrition course.
Course will discuss the role of nutrition in life stage and clinic disease management.

A new nutrition course combining online lectures, practical teaching and variety of resources and quizzes has been added to the BSAVA's popular Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards (VNMA).

VNMA's are designed to offer RVNs in primary care practice the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills without the commitment of a certificate or diploma. To achieve an award, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject through a final assessment.

Beginning in March 2021, the Nutrition VNMA will be led by Georgina Woods RVN who holds the Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition Certificate and the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) Nutrition Certificate. Following the completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • discuss methods of obtaining a thorough nutritional history, extracting all relevant clinical information and how to holistically appraise the situation
  • recognise the different techniques for building good communication with the pet owner and its importance for attaining compliance with your nutritional recommendation
  • discuss the role of nutrition in both life stage and clinic disease management, where nutrition will play a pivotal role
  • gain a more in-depth understanding for non-standard diets and how to manage differences of opinion
  • describe the many ways in which rabbit nutrition differs from that of the cat or dog, and how their anatomy relates to their different essential nutritional requirements.

BSAVA's head of education, Lucie Goodwin, said: “We are pleased to be able to add this important and highly topical course to our expanding repertoire of learning resources for RVNs. Practices really recognise the value of VNMAs and are continuing to send their nursing teams on multiple courses.”

Upon completion of the course, RVNs will receive a BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award in Nutrition along with a certificate and badge. For further information visit the BSAVA's website or email courses@bsava.com

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.