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AWF Discussion Forum returns for 2025
The AWF was founded by BVA to fund research and educational initiatives.
This year’s debate topics have now been revealed.

The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum is to return for 2025, with this year’s issues for debate already revealed.

The event will be taking place on Monday, 19 May 2024 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London, providing CPD sessions with a focus on animal welfare. Speakers from academic, business and government backgrounds will each offer their own perspective on issues affecting animal welfare.

Among the sessions is ‘Translating behaviour: How can veterinary professionals harness animal behaviour as a key welfare indicator with greater confidence?’.  This discussion will explore the science and significance of animal actions and how this reflects their mental states. It will also explore how these indicators can be proven with evidence.

‘Breeding for better welfare’ is set to address concerns about extreme breeding practices. Speakers will discuss the impact of research, policy and attitudes shape pathways for healthier and happier animals.

Providing a more business oriented perspective, ‘The economics of welfare’ will investigate the relationship between farm animal welfare and profitable business models. The session will consider how stakeholders can drive meaningful progress.

Alongside the scheduled content, attendees are also invited participate in ‘Lightning Talks’. Attendees will be able to go on stage to discuss the issues that they are passionate about.

The forum will also be an opportunity to hear the latest updates from AWF-funded research. The charity was founded by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to fund research, educational initiatives and debates.

Julian Kupfer, chair of the AWF, said: “Year on year, the Discussion Forum grows in influence and impact, becoming a must-attend event for those passionate about driving evidence-based, positive change for animal welfare.

“In 2025, we’re confronting some of the most urgent and complex issues in our field, from extreme breeding to the economics of welfare. This is more than a conference – it’s a catalyst for change.”

Tickets for the event, including lunch and the evening reception, can be bought here.

Image © AWF

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.