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BSAVA awards 2026 open for entries
Eight award categories are available this year.

The awards celebrate unsung heroes within the veterinary profession.

Nominations for the 2026 BSAVA awards are now open.

Eight award categories are available this year, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to veterinary science, research, clinical practice, education and small animal welfare.

Entries are open until 9 January 2026, and nominations are welcome from both BSAVA members and non-members. 

BSAVA honorary secretary Adam Gow said: “Each year, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on individuals who have truly made a difference in our profession. Nominating a colleague is a meaningful way to show appreciation and celebrate the impact they’ve had, so we encourage everyone to get involved and put forward those who inspire them.”

The 2026 BSAVA Award categories are:

  • The Bourgelat Award - For outstanding international contribution to small animal practice or science in their widest context.
  • The Simon Award - Recognising contributions to the advancement of all aspects of small animal surgery.
  • The Woodrow Award - For significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine.
  • The Des Thompson Award - New for 2026, this award recognises individuals who have had a significant impact upon general practice and/or their community.
  • The Blaine Award - For contributions to the advancement of all aspects of non‑client facing small animal veterinary medicine.
  • The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Award - Recognising outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary nursing.
  • The Ray Butcher Award - For a non-veterinary individual who has been an ‘unsung hero’ by making a significant contribution to animal welfare in the community.
  • The J.A. Wight Memorial Award - For a qualified veterinarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the welfare of companion animals. Presented by the Blue Cross.


Find full details and nomination forms at bsava.com/awards

Image (C) BSAVA.

 

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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.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.