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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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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk