News

The inclusion of rumen fluke egg counts on reports provided by laboratories should not detract from important information provided by liver fluke egg counts, say experts in the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) groups.

The animal welfare issues to be debated at this year’s Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum have been revealed. Tackling extreme breeding practices; the economics of farm animal welfare; and the often-overlooked welfare needs of ornamental fish are just some of the pressing animal welfare challenges to be discussed at the charity’s annual flagship event.

Congratulations to Dr Amanda Carson who received an MBE in the 2025 New Years Honours list.

Wishing all our members and industry supporters a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

In light of the changes to the Veterinary Medicine Regulations (VMR) which came into force on 17 May 2024, the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) and the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG) have issued this fact sheet with the aim of reminding professionals of best practice when prescribing antibiotics in the sheep sector.

The number of positive liver fluke cases is beginning to rise, in line with the statement made by the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) groups in October that, after a wet, mild summer and autumn, livestock farmers could be facing a high challenge for some areas.

As this year’s Antibiotic Amnesty campaign gets underway, two new reports have been released during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18 – 24 November) that reveal positive steps in the UK’s journey to tackling antimicrobial resistance.

David Charles has been named BVA Young Vet of the Year for 2024. The accolade was announced at last night’s first BVA Awards Dinner at the five-star London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf. The evening, which included a drinks reception sponsored by Lloyd and Whyte, celebrated the achievements of exceptional vets and veterinary teams across four awards.

Reminder – The livestock industry has come together to launch a nationwide survey to better understand the impact of bluetongue virus on UK farms.

Led by Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health Limited, and the Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group, the survey is being conducted in collaboration with AHDB and the University of Nottingham and has the backing of key industry organisations.

The Sheep Veterinary Society would like to congratulate committee member, David Charles, for being a BVA Young Vet of the year 2024 finalist.

The relatively low and later incidence of liver fluke in recent years shouldn’t make sheep farmers complacent this autumn and winter, say the Sustainable Control of Parasites of Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) groups.

Congratulations to Thrums Veterinary Group on winning Animal Health Provider of the Year at the Scottish Agriculture Awards 2024.