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BSAVA releases new Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses
The BSAVA Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses has been updated to reflect the expanding responsibilities of the nursing profession.

Second edition adds new information and tools to support nurses.

The BSAVA has released a new, updated version of its Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses, which aims to provide essential information, guidance and practical advice in an easily accessible format.

The BSAVA have built upon the work of Louise O’Dwyer, who edited the first edition, to produce a more up-to-date, in-depth version which reflects the expanding responsibilities of the veterinary nursing profession.

This second edition is edited by Emma Gerrard; a BSAVA Committee member and recently elected chair of Cymru/Wales region.

The book contains key information from a range of BSAVA titles, including the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, with extra sections written by Ms Gerrard and external sources.

Notable additions to the updated Pocketbook include:

  • surgical and anaesthetic checklists
  • pain scales for dogs, cats and rabbits
  • dental recording charts
  • PROTECT ME information on antimicrobial resistance.

It features multiple helpful illustrations and tools and sections are arranged alphabetically, with cross-references for ease of use.

Ian Ramsey, BSAVA president for the years 2020 – 2021, said: “Animals are more likely to get better, and get better faster, if they have good nursing care.

“This book is packed with the sort of information that allows nurses to deliver that care. It is presented in a format that makes it easy to carry around, but it will find its home at the heart of the clinic.”

The BSAVA Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses, 2nd edition is now available from the BSAVA website.

Images (c) BSAVA.

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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.