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Nominations open for 2026 BVNA Awards
VNJ Writer of the Year 2025 Lauryn Read with Sarah Holliday.

The awards recognise the skilled care that individual RVNs and SVNs provide.

The BVNA is inviting nominations for its 2026 Awards, which recognise outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond to support their patients and colleagues. 

Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), student veterinary nurses (SVNs) and all other members of the veterinary team are invited to put forward the “exceptional individuals” who make up the veterinary nursing and wider veterinary professions. Finalists will be invited to attend a prize-giving ceremony during BVNA Congress 2026.

BVNA President Sarah Holliday commented: “The BVNA Awards recognise the skilled care that individual RVNs and SVNs provide, and the unwavering compassion and empathy that they demonstrate every day. 

“We know that veterinary nurses are not only powerful advocates for animal welfare, but also the wellbeing of the people around them. We’re also thrilled to include an awards category for members of the wider veterinary team, who provide such valuable support to their veterinary nursing colleagues.”

This year, awards will be presented in memory of key individuals from the association’s history, including:

The Jean Turner Award – RVN of the Year
The Des Thompson Award – Veterinary Team Member of the Year
The Jennifer Townson Award – SVN of the Year.

There will also be a VNJ Writer of the Year Award celebrating articles that have encouraged discussions, positive change, or improved clinical standards in practice. 

Sarah added: “Simply being put forwards for an award also provides much-deserved recognition to all of our nominees, so we would really encourage colleagues, friends and family to nominate an individual you feel should be celebrated. We’re looking forward to showcasing the special individuals within the veterinary profession and welcoming the worthy finalists and winners to BVNA Congress.”

For more information and to submit a nomination, visit the BVNA website. 

Image (C) BVNA. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.