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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th February 2026
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Inaugural National SQP Week announced
Only 48 per cent of animal owners knew that SQPs were qualified and part of a regulated industry.
It will take place from 5-12 June 2026.

Regulators have announced the first nationwide event to celebrate the role of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in practice.

The UK’s first ever National SQP Week is set to take place from 5 June 2026 until 12 June 2026.

The campaign is set to celebrate the role of SQPs, also known as Animal Medicines Advisors, in safeguarding the health of livestock and pets across the country. It will be led by three industry regulators: AMTRA, Vetpol and VetSkill.

Regulators are encouraging stakeholders across the profession to take part, including veterinary practice teams, pharmaceutical companies and animal owners. Those taking part will have access to a campaign kit to make participation as easy as possible.

The campaign kit will include downloadable resources, with logos, posters and activation ideas.

This year’s campaign follows an industry survey, which revealed there was much work to be done to raise awareness of SQP expertise. Only 48 per cent of animal owners knew that SQPs were qualified and part of a regulated industry.

The survey suggested that even parts of the veterinary and wider animal medicines profession were not fully aware of the role of SQPs.

Stephen Dawson, AMTRA CEO, said: “SQPs are highly qualified professionals, yet many people who interact with them don’t fully understand their expertise—or the benefits they can bring. This campaign is here to change that. SQPs provide essential advice to millions of pet owners every year.

“By boosting the SQP profile, we can ensure the knowledge and expertise an SQP provides is fully utilised for better animal health nationwide.”

Sam Double, VetSkill CEO, said: “Raising awareness of the SQP role in a collaborative manner through this campaign is fundamental for a One Health approach and to enable animal owner understanding of this key role.

“Championing the role of our SQPs collectively across the sector is essential, as is highlighting the unique position that our dual accredited RVNs, who are also on the SQP register, could hold moving forward as the consultation gains momentum on changes to the Veterinary Surgeons Act.”

Image © Shutterstock.com/PeopleImages

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

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Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.