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BVA Welcomes EU Decision on Laboratory Animals
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA
The BVA has welcomed the announcement of a new EU Directive aimed at reducing the number of animals used in laboratory experiments, tightening controls over such procedures and harmonising improved standards of care throughout Europe.

President of the BVA, Professor Bill Reilly said: “The UK already has a firm commitment to the principle of the Three Rs – replace refine, reduce – and the BVA is pleased that MEPs have voted to firmly anchor this principle in the new legislation so that the practice can be implemented across the EU. The BVA is also pleased that the new Directive requires all establishments within the EU to have a designated veterinarian with expertise in laboratory animal medicine, charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being and treatment of the animals.
 
“The responsible use of animals in research has improved both human and animal welfare, but we believe animals should only be used where no non-animal alternative is available and the work is justified through independent ethical scrutiny.
 
“The BVA continues to support the principle of the Three Rs and is committed to advocating for a reduction in animal usage in the future.”
 

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.