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Badger cull timing in question
The timing of proposed autumn badger culls may be in doubt

DEFRA's badger culls may be postponed due to legal challenges, weather problems and the recent political changes.

The culls were due to take place in the early autumn, once the London Olympics were over, however DEFRA is facing a number of possible delays.

A number of legal challenges have arisen regarding the policy which are yet to be decided.

The Badger Trust have appealed against the High Court's decision to allow the policy, and a formal complaint has been submitted to the Council of the Bern Convention by Humane Society International/UK, despite DEFRAs assurance that they will comply with convention.

There has also been added pressure from numerous high-profile celebrities, conservationists and wildlife campaigners.

A new DEFRA ministerial team may further delay plans and National Farmer's Union president, Peter Kendall, believes that the poor weather and subsequent late farming season has also affected preparations.

Mr Kendall said: "Although farmers will be devastated if [the cull] is delayed, getting it right is essential - rushing it and getting it wrong could undermine it forever."

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
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