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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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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.