BEVA Congress 2025

🐎 I wasn't expecting to brush with Royalty at my first ever British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Congress in Birmingham yesterday, but as I scooted in to hear the keynote lecture, HRH The Princess Royal was ushered in to hear the fantastic Professor Scott Weese speak about: “Misconceptions, myths and dogmas: moving past old barriers to optimise antimicrobial use in horses”, before HRH presented BEVA's annual Awards.

👏 An unexpected surprise, though perhaps not so much when you consider that the Princess Royal is a lifelong animal lover and talented equestrian in her own right, as well as a long-time Patron of the Association. I really appreciated hearing her perspective on the crucial role veterinary professionals have to play in ensuring responsible medicine use for the animals under their care, whilst recognising the wider influence they have on wildlife, biodiversity and human health.

🌍 It really was a fascinating day of talks and discussion unpacking the complexity of One Health (animal, human and environmental challenges) problems like antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and responsible use of parasiticides in veterinary medicine. More on that in the blog!

🌲 I was delighted to hear Callum Haseler speak, as a Member of BEVA (and Vet Sustain)'s Equine Sustainability Working Groups. He gave a concise, compelling overview of the ecotoxicity research and evidence-based solutions for responsible parasiticide use in equine veterinary care, peppered with his own research and experiences as a pioneer.

💚 It was a fascinating day hearing how issues like these are being tackled across the world from SPANA; how a warming climate is already hugely affecting places like The Donkey Sanctuary; learning how faecal egg testers work, and seeing the sheer size and sophistication of equine equipment used in surgery - eye-opening experience! Thanks to all the new friends I made and to BEVA for making such a brilliantly run conference.

💡 If you're interested to find out more, take a look at my blog or see below for the latest best practice resources for equine veterinary sustainability:

1. The British Equine Veterinary Association guidelines on sustainable treatment of skin parasites in horses: https://lnkd.in/eNAQK8GK
2. Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly (CANTER)'s Guidelines for sustainable equine parasite control:
https://lnkd.in/eBrzq7X2
3. BEVA's Sustainability Working Group (lots more great resources in there): https://lnkd.in/ewCKh4AS

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