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Online transfusion medicine course launched
The course consists of eight modules deliverede across 15 months.

Improve International and Pet Blood Bank UK are collaborating on the course. 

Pet Blood Bank UK has partnered with Improve International to created an online CPD programme in transfusion medicine for veterinary nurses and technicians.

The course offers the opportunity to gain a Nurse Certificate (NCert), Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) or Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert), and has been accredited by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies.

Beginning on 1 July 2022, the course takes place online, and will be delivered over the course of 15 months. 

Helen Rooney BSC (Hons) CVN, Cert Ed, Dip AVN (Medical), Cert ECCVN, RVN, Induction & Training Manager, Pet Blood Bank UK commented: “After 14 years of supporting veterinary practices with transfusion medicine and running our blood bank service, we feel the time is right to pass on what we have learned. 

“We know that transfusions are now being performed in first opinion, as well as referral settings and we are so excited to be part of this formal training and qualification for veterinary nurses.

 “Transfusion medicine is an ideal specialism for nurses as many aspects can be nurse-led, including the recruitment of blood donors and on-site product management, setting up the transfusion and monitoring recipients and developing practice transfusion protocols.

“This unique course is suitable for any nurse wanting to advance their transfusion knowledge and more confidently support their clinicians when the decision to transfuse is made.  

“At Pet Blood Bank, providing education and training to advance transfusion medicine has always been a core part of our mission so we are delighted to support the creation of this course.”

Further details on the course, including pricing, modules and FAQs, can be found here. 

 

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.