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Duo to embark on 50km hike for Vetlife
“This 50km challenge is a way for me to contribute further and support the incredible work Vetlife does" – Kay Watson-Bray.
The pair aim to raise £2,500 with their trek across Dartmoor.

Two women from the veterinary community are set to tackle a 50km hike to raise money for Vetlife.

Kay Watson-Bray, CEO of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association, and Michelle Gratton, donor relations manager at Vetlife, will be crossing the open moorland and river valleys of Dartmoor as they aim to raise £2,500 for the charity.

The landscape will present a number of challenges, from steep granite tors to soggy peat bogs, and the duo will also have to contend with Dartmoor’s unpredictable weather.

Explaining her motivation, Ms Watson-Bray said: “After participating in Active October last year for Vetlife, I felt inspired to do more. This 50km challenge is a way for me to contribute further and support the incredible work Vetlife does. I also want to raise awareness that Vetlife is there to support all the veterinary team.”

Vetlife provides mental health and financial support to the veterinary community. The Vetlife Helpline offers confidential support by phone or email 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The service can be called on 0303 040 2551 and emailed anonymously via the Vetlife website.

Ms Gratton said: “The Vetlife Helpline is busier than ever, handling an average of 11 contacts per day from people seeking support.

“I’m taking on this challenge to help ensure that Vetlife can continue providing vital assistance through its three key services: Helpline, Health Support, and Financial Support."

Donations can be made on the pair’s JustGiving page.

Image © Vetlife

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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.