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New BSAVA president to build on virtual congress success
Dr Sheldon Middleton has been appointed president of the BSAVA for 2021/22.
Dr Sheldon Middleton plans to shape Congress 2022 into ‘the ultimate veterinary get-together’.

The new president of the British Veterinary Association (BSAVA) plans to build on the success of the recent BSAVA Virtual Congress to shape his presidential year.

Dr Sheldon Middleton, who took over the role from Professor Ian Ramsey on Thursday (22 April), is managing director of RVC Veterinary Practices Ltd and principal at Acorn House Veterinary Hospital in Bedford. 

A graduate of Cambridge University, he has a particular interest and a GP Certificate in ophthalmology and has been a member of the BSAVA Board for the past five years.

Dr Middleton said his goal is to shape Congress 2022 into ‘the ultimate veterinary get-together’ as the country begins to recover from the pandemic. 

“We intend to build on this for BSAVA Congress 2022 by deploying a cleverly blended format to retain the high degree of accessibility and flexibility that delegates have so enjoyed this year,” he said. “We will be releasing further details on BSAVA Congress 2022 in the early summer.” 

Dr Middleton also plans to focus on BSAVA’s support for the small animal veterinary community as it emerges from the pandemic.

“The profession has shown incredible resilience and dynamism in responding to the changing demands of our patients,” he continued. “But we need to be careful that this is not at the expense of our own wellbeing. BSAVA’s community support, practical education and science resources and leadership are all there to support the profession as it pivots to a new way of working.” 

Professor Ian Ramsey wished Dr Middleton success in his presidential year. He commented: “With our plans for BSAVA Congress 2022 already significantly underway and our commitment to returning to a face-to-face event in Manchester in March, Sheldon has an exciting year ahead.”

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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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.