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VMD appoints new CEO
Pictured: Abigail Seager.
Experienced civil servant Abigail Seager will take over the role.

Yesterday (13 September) the VMD announced that it has appointed Abigail Seager as its new CEO.

Seager has previously held roles in the VMD including director of the authorisations, head of the EU exit and international office, and head of the general assessment and imports team. 

Seager's pre-VMD roles include deputy head of fisheries legislation for Defra, and roles within the Ministry of Justice. 

David Kennedy, Defra's general director for food, commented on the announcement in a government news release: "I’m very excited about this appointment.

“Abi is incredibly well placed to lead the organisation in the next phase. I look forward to working closely with Abi and VMD as they ensure veterinary medicines continue to be safe, together with growing their international business and leading our work on AMR.”

Abigail succeeds Professor Pete Borriello, who has held the post for 10 years. 

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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.