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Sheep Veterinary Society appoints new president
From left to right, Joe Henry, Kim Hamer and Phillipa Page.

Kim Hamer takes over the role from Joe Henry.

Veterinary surgeon and academic clinician Kim Hamer has been appointed president of the Sheep Veterinary Society at its Autumn conference.

Kim succeeds Joe Henry, who has become senior vice president following the retirement of David Wilson from the committee. Farm veterinary surgeon Phillipa Page joins the officials as junior vice president.

Raised on the Welsh Borders in a farming and veterinary family, Kim is passionate about disease prevention, supporting farms and teaching students. Her work at the School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow sees her involved in research and supervising residents at the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management.

Kim has extensive experience working in clinical practice, including eight years in mixed practice in the Welsh/English Borders, focusing on farm animal medicine and sheep preventative health.  She spent two years at the Farm Animal Practice at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, during which she co-authored Sheep Keeping as part of The Professional Smallholders Series with Phillipa Page. She is currently undertaking a PhD in veterinary ecology.

Kim's research encompasses a wide array of topics related to sheep health, including sheep parasitology, micro-mineral nutrition, and neurology. Currently, she is focused on antibiotic use in remote rural settings and exploring how a digital diagnostic decision-support tool could help improve clinical outcomes for sheep and goats in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The Sheep Veterinary Society brings together all those interested in the welfare and production of sheep, including vets, flock owners and advisors from across the UK, Europe and the world. Members of the Society and Committee are actively engaged in various groups and initiatives, contributing to ideas and policies that will directly influence the future of the sheep farming industry. 

The Autumn Sheep Veterinary conference took place in Morpeth, Northumberland, 23-25 September. 

Image (C) Sheep Veterinary Society.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.