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New student grant for chicken veterinary health research
Applications are welcomed from undergraduate veterinary students and vet nurses.
BSAVA PetSavers and BHWT have collaborated to provide the grant. 

BSAVA PetSavers has partnered with the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) to fund a grant for an undergraduate student research project in chicken veterinary health.

The grant will be £2,500, and applications for the grant opened 1 September 2021, closing on 15 December 2021. 

BHWT founder Jane Howorth MBE commented on the need for the grant: “We are extremely excited to be embarking on this partnership with such a prestigious organisation as BSAVA PetSavers to lead the way in encouraging pioneering research into chickens.

“Hens are becoming increasingly popular as pets but sadly hen keepers often find there is a lack of treatment options specifically for chickens. 

“That’s why we set up our dedicated Hen Helpline for people, but we know that enhancing veterinary research and knowledge into chickens is vital to support the growing number of backyard hen keepers. Jointly offering a grant with BSAVA PetSavers is a big step forward to providing that support.”

Owing to the growing demand for specialist knowledge and treatment of chickens, the two organisations hope that the grant will help to improve veterinary understanding chicken health, and improve the welfare of pet hens. 

David Killick, from BSAVA PetSavers added: “BSAVA PetSavers is delighted to collaborate with the BHWT in supporting a summer research project for a student interested in learning more about the needs of pet chickens and how to meet them. 

“The funding will support research and stipend costs and provide the student with the prestigious opportunity to present their work at BSAVA Congress; we look forward to seeing the outcome of the project.”

Applications for the grant should be made by prospective supervisors of undergraduate vets or vet nurses from UK universities. More information on the grant, alongside how to apply, can be found here

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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.