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BVNA Congress 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19
The 47th BVNA Congress has been cancelled.
Organisers planning a virtual event in celebration of the veterinary nursing profession.

The British Veterinary Association (BVNA) has announced that the 47th BVNA Congress will not be taking place this year.

The announcement follows concerns raised in recent weeks by BVNA members, exhibitors and speakers about health and safety if they attended the event. Other said that their employers were not allowing them to travel to external events until after Christmas.

In a statement posted on its website, BVNA said that the final decision was founded on uncertainty facing large-scale events due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, as well as the health risks to BVNA members, speakers, staff and public.

But it is not all bad news. Congress organisers are planning a virtual event in celebration of both the BVNA and the veterinary nursing profession! More details are expected to be announced soon, but the programme is already set to include first-class keynote speakers, interactive workshops, live interviews, virtual networking and event social quizzes.

“This is the first time that the BVNA have not been able to hold our congress and it was an exceptionally sad decision to have to make, however, it is vital that we play our part in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and put public safety first,” commented BVNA president, Jo Hinde.

“However, we cannot let the occasion pass without marking it hence offering a weekend that celebrates all things vet nurse! Our congress has always been about more than just high-quality CPD; it’s where the BVNA family get together with friends – old and new.”

She continued: “We understand just how isolated and exhausted the veterinary community are feeling right now, and how this has negatively affected individual’s mental health. As such, we want to provide an online space to facilitate those catch-ups, hear from inspiring speakers and most of all…have fun!

“I am very excited about the new event and hope vet nurses and the wider veterinary community can join us for what promises to be a fabulous time."

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.