Vet Times Podcast

With avian flu and bluetongue continuing to pose challenges, plus the re-emergence of foot and mouth disease in mainland Europe, 2025 has so far been a year of growing unease at the threat from animal diseases. As politicians and industry groups voice their concerns about present and future challenges, Allister Webb asks what should vets really be concerned about and how ready are we to respond to...

As the Government issues a plea to holiday makers not to bring back meat and dairy products from Europe amid concerns over foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Chris Simpson speaks to the UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss. The plea comes as the Government launches an updated FMD control strategy to enhance its ability to prevent or respond to FMD outbreaks. An EU-wide ban on personal imp...

With thousands of aspiring students waiting to hear if they’ve achieved the grades they need to go to vet school this autumn, Allister Webb takes a look behind the scenes at the University of Central Lancashire’s new veterinary training facilities in Preston. The department, which is preparing to welcome its third cohort in September, recently opened its new school building following a £40 million...

Ixodes species ticks have been spreading tick-borne encephalitis virus throughout Europe, and there are concerns about the zoonotic potential for the UK. Parasitologist Ian Wright discusses the latest situation in this Vet Times Podcast. Ian Wright, BVMS, BSc, MSc, MRCVS is a practising vet and co-owner of The Mount Veterinary Practice in Fleetwood, Lancashire. He has a master’s degree in veterina...

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we're delving into the pivotal role that research plays in building our understanding of the human-animal bond. Dr Tammie King, senior research manager, and Dr Vanessa Ashall, human-animal interaction technical leader, are both experts from the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. SPONSORED The Waltham Petcare Science Institute is Mars Petcare’s science centre, where...

In this podcast Phil Elkins discusses respiratory diseases in cattle, essentially preventive versus reactive care, and ensuring farm vets and farmers engage on countering the threats. Phil Elkins qualified in 2005 from The University of Edinburgh and, following stints in Cheshire and New Zealand, spent the majority of his career in clinical practice in Cornwall, during which time he gained a certi...

Vet Times was recently invited to the biggest vet show on earth – VMX in Florida, where we had the pleasure of catching up with the man behind it all, NAVC CEO Gene O'Neill…

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, Stephanie Armstrong, regional president at Zoetis, explores the mental health landscape in today’s veterinary profession, including the challenges and possible counteractions. Sponsored: As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to pre...

Speaking to editor James Westgate, Wellvet co-founder Liz Barton delves into the often tricky topic of menopause and discusses what can be done to support veterinary professionals impacted by perimenopausal symptoms. Liz also introduces Wellvet’s free expert menopause resources for veterinary teams, designed to help reduce the impact of physical and psychological symptoms in the clinic and beyond....

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, we discuss innovations in testing and diagnostics with Mars Science and Diagnostics’ chief medical officer Jimmy Barr – including what Antech has planned in the future. 𝗝𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥 𝗗𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗔𝗖𝗩𝗘𝗖𝗖 As chief medical officer (CMO) for Mars Petcare’s Science and Diagnostics division, James (Jimmy) Barr, DVM, DACVECC, oversees the quality organisation and leads delivery of...

In this Vet Times Extra podcast, George Giles and Becca Cavill join us to discuss innovations, AI and how technology and management tools are helping vets and farmers work together for livestock health, welfare and productivity. –––––––––– 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗔𝗩𝗣(𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲), 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Becca graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2003 and spent 18 years in clinical farm practice before becomi...

One of the main items on the agenda at BCVA Congress 2024 in Newport was the bluetongue outbreak that many vets and farmers have faced up to over the past couple of months. Joining Vet Times’ chief reporter Allister Webb to discuss the situation and what we may be able to learn from it is Fiona Lovatt, who is a member of the Ruminant Health and Welfare bluetongue working group. 𝗙𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗧 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰,...

Osteoarthritis (OA) impacts cats and dogs, but considerations need to be tailored for each animal at every stage. To discuss the different approaches, Sophie Platt and Sarah Cooper join this episode of the Vet Times Podcast. They have jointly authored the article “OA: the impact on pets’ lives” for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 32, Pages 5-10), which can be found online at https://www.vettimes.co.uk...

Recorded live at BEVA Congress 2024 in Liverpool, Vet Times’ chief reporter Allister Webb talked to incoming president Bruce Bladon about his forthcoming year in office and the future of equine sport.

Recorded live at BEVA Congress 2024 in Liverpool, Vet Times’ chief reporter Allister Webb talks to one of the most successful British sportswomen of all time. As an athlete, Sally Gunnell won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles. She opened the 2024 congress, spoke in the sessions looking at the social license of sporting competition, but still found the time to speak to Vet Times abou...

A rapidly evolving discipline, oncology medicine has made significant strides in the past decade, and will continue that development in the coming years. To share some of the latest knowledge on diagnosis, staging and treatment, Nick Bacon joins this Vet Times Podcast. His article, “Oncology: update on diagnosis, staging and treatment options”, was in Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 30, Pages 6-9) and...

With more than a third of cats now largely living their lives indoors, ensuring preventive health needs are met for the whole feline population has grown in significance. Vet Ellen Marcinkiewicz, of International Cat Care (iCatCare), covers more on this subject in this Vet Times Podcast. She has written an article to accompany this podcast for Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 23, Pages 5-10) with Laura...

When it comes to ongoing, sustained management of OA, collaboration between the veterinary team and owners is vitally important. To talk more about this fascinating area, Ross Allan joins the Vet Times Podcast. ••• 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗩𝗠𝗦, 𝗣𝗚𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗦𝗔𝗦, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Ross graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2001, gaining his BSAVA Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2014 and RCVS Advanced Practitioner sta...

In this sponsored Vet Times Extra podcast, Ginny Sherwin and Kath Aplin join us to discuss NSAID use and pain relief in calves. For more than 20 years Metacam has been at the forefront of cattle well-being. The proven and trusted anti-inflammatory pain relief provided by Metacam supports farmers and veterinarians in their efforts to maintain well-being across many indications. Contact your local B...

In this VN Times podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses the broad opportunities of a vet nurse passport with Donna Wills, an RVN and animal physiotherapist. Donna shares her career pivots and the decisions that have led her to now support from the other side of the consult table to provide more holistic care for animals and their people. ••• 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗔 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗥𝗩𝗡, 𝗣𝗴𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗔 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀, 𝗠𝗜𝗥𝗩𝗔𝗣(𝗩𝗣) Donna qu...

In this Vet Times Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Eric Morgan, professor of veterinary parasitology at Queen’s University Belfast, discusses the prevalence of Toxocara in the environment and why vets should care. Toxocara is a zoonotic parasite endemic throughout the UK and Ireland and has been associated with multiple human health conditions including asthma and reduced...

Refractory, or pharmacoresistant epilepsy affects one in three dogs with epilepsy, and defines them as having frequent and severe seizures, despite appropriate drug therapy. Specialist vet Mark Lowrie joins the Vet Times Podcast to explain some of the challenges for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of the condition Dr Lowrie has written an article on this topic for Vet Times (Volume 54,...

Worms are evolving and sheep farming methods are changing – but how are vets to keep pace? In this Vet Times Extra podcast, sponsored by Zolvix from Elanco, we speak to Davinia Hinde of Bainbridge Vets and sheep consultant Dr Nerys Wright, who address the question. We cover everything from the business challenges of encouraging best practice worm management, and what that looks like. The pair also...

Otitis externa is a common condition in dogs and cats and one requiring much veterinary input to treat and manage. To share some of her thoughts on the disorder, European veterinary dermatology specialist Irina Matricoti joins the Vet Times Podcast. 𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗜 𝗗𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗗 Irina obtained her degree in 2008 from the University of Bologna. Afterwards, she worked in small animal practice and, du...

Hypertension is serious condition in cats, and likely under-diagnosed in practice. Feline specialist Sam Taylor joins the Vet Times Podcast to run through some of the diagnostic and treatment considerations. 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗛𝗔 𝗧𝗔𝗬𝗟𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗦𝗔𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗜𝗠-𝗖𝗔, 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗭𝗖𝗩𝗦(𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘀), 𝗙𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Sam is a feline specialist working for the International Society of Feline Medicine as its academy lead, and als...