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Vet and rugby legend dies aged 93
“Everyone involved with the Barbarians will miss Micky greatly."
Tributes paid to Micky Steele-Bodger 

Micky Steele-Bodger, a veterinary surgeon and rugby legend has died at the age of 93, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the veterinary profession and rugby community alike.

Following in his father and brother’s footsteps, both of whom were past BVA presidents, Micky qualified as a vet from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

His career as a rugby player was cut short after a knee injury at the age of 24, by which time he had already won nine caps in the back row for England, as well as representing Cambridge University, Edinburgh University, Harlequins and the Barbarians.

He joined the Barbarians committee in 1946, which marked the beginning of his 73-year association with the club. He was its president for 31 years and also went on to become a selector for England and the British and Irish Lions; president of the Rugby Football Union and chairman of the International Rugby Board.

In 1990, he was appointed a CBE for services to the sport.

Barbarians FC described him as “relentless and seemingly unstoppable… a lion-hearted rugby champion”.

Honorary secretary Chris Maidment said: “Everyone involved with the Barbarians will miss Micky greatly and the huge number of tributes being paid throughout the rugby world are a testament to his dedication to the game and the way it should be played.”

A spokesperson from the British Veterinary Association added: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of this well-loved vet and rugby legend. Micky and his family have made enormous contributions to the veterinary profession, and we are proud to have had a close association with them spanning eight decades.

“His father Harry and brother Alasdair are both BVA past presidents, and Micky was a Trustee of the Harry Steele-Bodger Memorial Scholarship set up in his father’s memory. Micky will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of us at BVA.”

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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.