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BVA Welcomes EU Decision on Laboratory Animals
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA
The BVA has welcomed the announcement of a new EU Directive aimed at reducing the number of animals used in laboratory experiments, tightening controls over such procedures and harmonising improved standards of care throughout Europe.

President of the BVA, Professor Bill Reilly said: “The UK already has a firm commitment to the principle of the Three Rs – replace refine, reduce – and the BVA is pleased that MEPs have voted to firmly anchor this principle in the new legislation so that the practice can be implemented across the EU. The BVA is also pleased that the new Directive requires all establishments within the EU to have a designated veterinarian with expertise in laboratory animal medicine, charged with advisory duties in relation to the well-being and treatment of the animals.
 
“The responsible use of animals in research has improved both human and animal welfare, but we believe animals should only be used where no non-animal alternative is available and the work is justified through independent ethical scrutiny.
 
“The BVA continues to support the principle of the Three Rs and is committed to advocating for a reduction in animal usage in the future.”
 

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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. 

Click here for more...
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