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BSAVA president to brave charity wing walk
BSAVA president Julian Hoad will be dressed in a full Cheshire cat onesie for his wing-walking challenge. 
Julian Hoad will take flight dressed as a Cheshire cat.

BSAVA president Julian Hoad is set to take to the skies in a daring charity wing walk for BSAVA PetSavers.

Julian, who will be donning a Cheshire cat onesie for the challenge, will secured to the top of a vintage biplane on Thursday, 29 May in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. 

The bold adventure marks the end of Julian’s presidential year, and is all in the name of raising funds for BSAVA PetSaver’s groundbreaking research. 

So far, the charity has invested over £2.7 million into diseases affecting companion animals, including cancer, heart conditions, gastrointestinal issues, neurological and joint disorders, and many more.

Reflecting on his challenge, Julian said: "Every day, vets face the heart-wrenching task of managing the distress and pain our pets suffer due to disease or poor health.

“With your support, we can ensure that they have access to the latest knowledge and resources needed to provide the best care possible.”

He added: “The need for advanced research is more pressing than ever and our pets deserve every chance at a healthy life. If dressing up as a cat and flying on the wing of a plane makes people take notice of the vital need for pet health research, then it will be worth it.”

Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “No one has ever been quite so daring in their fundraising efforts for us, so we are thrilled that Julian has decided to take this on to raise awareness and funds for BSAVA PetSavers.

“For every grant application that we fund, at least two or more are declined due to lack of funds. Fundraising events like this helps to land more funding in the hands of researchers who make a real difference in the veterinary community and directly impact the lives of countless pets and their families.”

At the time of writing, Julian has raised £524 of his £1,000 target. To donate to his challenge, visit his Just Giving page.

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
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Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."