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New vice-chair of RCVS Fellowship Board elected
Professor James Wood works at the University of Cambridge.
Voter turnout was higher than in previous two elections.

James Wood has been elected as the new vice-chair of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Fellowship Board.

A veterinary epidemiologist who leads the Disease Dynamics Unit at the University of Cambridge, Professor Wood received the most votes from Fellows during the two week voting period. Voter turnout was higher than during the past two elections.

The other candidates who stood were Ian Battersby, Rachel Dean, and Aoife Reid.

The role of vice-chair involves working with other Board members to increase the visibility of the Fellowship within the veterinary profession and more widely, as well as broadening and consolidating the Fellowship’s influence and encouraging greater diversity in its membership.

In his candidate statement, Professor Wood wrote: “I believe that the opportunities for the RCVS Fellowship have not been realised yet and I am committed to working with the new chair to promote its effective development, reputation and role.

“The Fellowship is a critical element in the success of the Royal College (non-regulatory) functions of the College.

“My experiences of leadership and high-quality research, as well as professional profile, provide a good background to work with the Fellowship Board and Chair to develop an informed and effective strategy for the Fellowship.”

Professor Wood will be formally welcomed to the Board on Fellowship Day on 28 November 2024.

Niall Connell, chair of the Fellowship Board, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Professor Wood as the new Fellowship Board Vice-Chair.

“James’ impressive credentials and experience will be tremendous assets as we work with our Board, Fellows and the College to forge a valuable and positive future for the learned society that is the RCVS Fellowship.”

Image © RCVS

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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.