Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th November 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Nutrition course joins Vet Nurse Merit Awards
Georgina Woods RVN will lead the new VNMA Nutrition course.
Course will discuss the role of nutrition in life stage and clinic disease management.

A new nutrition course combining online lectures, practical teaching and variety of resources and quizzes has been added to the BSAVA's popular Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards (VNMA).

VNMA's are designed to offer RVNs in primary care practice the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills without the commitment of a certificate or diploma. To achieve an award, students must demonstrate their understanding of the subject through a final assessment.

Beginning in March 2021, the Nutrition VNMA will be led by Georgina Woods RVN who holds the Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition Certificate and the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) Nutrition Certificate. Following the completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

  • discuss methods of obtaining a thorough nutritional history, extracting all relevant clinical information and how to holistically appraise the situation
  • recognise the different techniques for building good communication with the pet owner and its importance for attaining compliance with your nutritional recommendation
  • discuss the role of nutrition in both life stage and clinic disease management, where nutrition will play a pivotal role
  • gain a more in-depth understanding for non-standard diets and how to manage differences of opinion
  • describe the many ways in which rabbit nutrition differs from that of the cat or dog, and how their anatomy relates to their different essential nutritional requirements.

BSAVA's head of education, Lucie Goodwin, said: “We are pleased to be able to add this important and highly topical course to our expanding repertoire of learning resources for RVNs. Practices really recognise the value of VNMAs and are continuing to send their nursing teams on multiple courses.”

Upon completion of the course, RVNs will receive a BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award in Nutrition along with a certificate and badge. For further information visit the BSAVA's website or email courses@bsava.com

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.