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BVA and BVNA renew strategic partnership
The BVA and BVNA have signed a new memorandum of understanding.
Associations sign a new memorandum of understanding at BVNA Congress.

The BVA and the BVNA have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) reaffirming their commitment to collaborative working.

BVA President Justine Shotton and then-BVNA President Jo Oakden renewed the Associations’ strategic alliance at the BVNA Congress on Saturday (2 October).

The BVA and BVNA have worked closely on an array of shared priorities since signing the first MOU in 2017. Among them include the Vet Futures and VN Futures projects and supporting the veterinary team through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the new MOU, BVA and BVNA will continue to work together to strengthen the representation of the views of vets, vet nurses, the media, policymakers, the general public and the RCVS. The Associations have also agreed to identify opportunities for joint campaigns and member engagement activities in mutually beneficial areas of interest.

“It has been a difficult 18 months for the profession, and new challenges keep being presented to us,” commented Jo Oakden. “This is why it is so important we collaborate and support one another.

“We are one team within this profession. It gives me great pleasure to sign the MOU with BVA, ensuring our close working relationship for the next three years. Together, our voice is stronger.”

Justine Shotton added: “This is a challenging time for everyone in the veterinary family. It has never been more vital for us all to work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for animal health, welfare, public health and our professions. We have already achieved so much more working in unison over the last three years, and I am delighted that we will continue to provide one strong veterinary voice on key issues for the veterinary team.

She added that the memorandum between BVA and BVNA is agreed for a further three years and will subject to regular reviews.

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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.