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Conference to examine OV role in a post-Brexit world
"My experiences over the last year have made me even more proud to be part of the veterinary profession" - Andrew Soldan, APHA veterinary director.
Event will discuss all aspects of the role and where it is headed

The role of Official Veterinarians (OVs) and the challenges they face in a post-Brexit world are set to go under the spotlight at this year’s virtual OV Conference.

Run in association with the APHA, the OV Conference is the UK’s only event dedicated to the CPD needs of OVs. This year’s event will take place over three days (28-30 September), and promises more than 18 hours of lectures and Q&A sessions from leading speakers.

“During this year, the realities of our post-Brexit world have started to reveal themselves while we have endured another lockdown before finally starting to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Sue Hay, head of OV Training at Improve International, which organises the event.

“Throughout the year, OVs have shown huge commitment in working through the eye of the storm. But, while there have been many challenges, there have also been areas of opportunity and the potential for positive change. We look forward to discussing all aspects of the OV’s role and where it’s headed following this extraordinary year during the 2021 OV Conference.”

Among the speakers named for this year's event include BVA President James Russell, Ian Wright, head of the European Scientific Counsel of Companion Animal Parasites UK & Ireland, and Dr Sam Holland, veterinary head of exotics and welfare. Former APHA director Simon Hall will share practical experience from his current role as an export OV.

 “My experiences over the last year have made me even more proud to be part of the veterinary profession, " commented Andrew Soldan, APHA veterinary director. "The role of vets, especially Official Vets, has never been very prominent in our national life...I hope that the OV conference will help you carry out this vital work to the best of your abilities.”

Early Bird tickets for the annual conference are available at officialvet.com

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.