Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

VetPartners announces expansion into Ireland
VetPartners has acquired Westgate Veterinary Hospital in Drogheda.
The York-based group also owns practices across Europe.

VetPartners has announced the acquisition of a practice in the Republic of Ireland as part of its continued expansion.

The York-based group has purchased Westgate Veterinary Hospital in Drogheda, which cares for small and large animals in the counties of Louth and Meath. 

Established in the mid-'80s, Westgate has a team of 35 vets, vet nurses, receptionists and admin. In 2002, the practice opened a second site in Laytown.

The owners of Westgate, John Russell, Simon Rath and William Burgess, will remain as clinical directors.

VetPartners first expanded into mainland Europe in 2019 and currently owns practices in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany and Spain.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'