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Steps taken to tackle work-place injuries
equine vet
"There is a clear need to establish safer systems of work and education of the profession and other animal handlers."
Vet groups join forces to help minimise risks

A consensus statement has been drawn up to help minimise the risk of workplace injuries for equine vets, BEVA has announced.

The move follows shocking findings from a survey of workplace accidents. Released last year, the results showed equine vets receive more injuries in their working life than any other civilian profession, inducing those working in construction, the prison service and the fire brigade.

Round table discussions have been attended by representatives from the BEVA, BVA, RCVS, VDS, heads of vet school equine departments, major equine veterinary practices and survey authors.

Together, they will now explore how improved reporting could help to develop practical measures to reduce the risk of serious and fatal injuries.

Recent work by the UK thoroughbred industry to implement safer working practices may be used to help draw up guidelines for equine vets.

Speaking at BEVA's recent congress, new president Mark Bowen said: "There is a clear need to establish safer systems of work and education of the profession and other animal handlers."

A key part of this, he added, is the training of veterinary students and newly-qualified equine vets.

"This will help ensure they are aware of the most risky procedures and the methods they should emily to remain safe as reasonably practicable while working with horses."

Key results from the survey of work-related injuries showed that, during a 30-year working life, equine vets could expect to sustain an average of seven to eight injuries that prevented them from practising.

The most common injuries were bruising, fractures and lacerations, with the leg being the most common injury site, followed by the head. A kick with a hind limb was the main cause of injury.

Nearly a quarter of the injuries reported required hospital treatment and, significantly, 7 per cent resulted in loss of consciousness.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk