Vet Times Podcast

In today’s episode, sponsored by Droncit, from global animal health company Vetoquinol, we uncover a hidden but significant issue: tapeworm infections in pets and the serious consequences they can have for farmers. While often overlooked, untreated tapeworms in pets can contribute to the spread of disease to livestock, threatening farm productivity and livelihoods. Many commonly used ‘all-in-one’ parasite treatments don’t target tapeworms, which is why Droncit is calling on small animal vets to take the lead by raising awareness during consults and helping pet owners protect both their pets and the rural communities that depend on healthy livestock. Join us as we hear how farmers are impacted by tapeworm infections in pets and how small animal vet professionals can be a vital link in safeguarding farms from this often overlooked threat. Cat Henstridge BVSc MRCVS is a graduate of the University of Bristol’s vet school and has worked ever since in first opinion small animal practice. She has recently opened her own clinic with her husband and is enjoying the challenge. Her interests have always been in client communication and collaboration and she loves being able to work as a team with owners to help their pets get better. In addition to her real-life vetting, she also has a significant online presence as ‘Cat The Vet’, where she shares this passion, and many others, with her audience. Hannah Jackson main two passions in life are animals and adventure. In 2019 adventure loving Hannah completed the selection process for SAS-Who-Dares Wins. Surviving in arctic conditions in the Chilean Andes, Hannah was the first intake which included female recruits and was one of only two females to complete the course. She thrives on the extreme challenges and the ability to test both her physical and mental resilience and strength. As a farmer, Hannah’s love of wildlife has seen her complete a number of projects including contributing to a Killer Whale research project for Orca Lab, where she lived for weeks on a cliff in British Columbia in a tent with no running water or electricity whilst observing the impact of tourism on whale’s behaviour. Hannah has appeared on ‘Emma and AJ Get to Work’, ‘Countryfile’, ‘Country Showdown’, ‘Inside Out’ along with various other shows across the channels.

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 the next major disease outbreak? Loic Jégou, Ceva Animal Health’s vice-president for Europe, joins Allister to share his thoughts on the current situation and what needs to be done to prevent a future crisis. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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 imports of meat and dairy was issued by Defra in April after a wave of cases were discovered in several countries across the continent. Podcast music: “Funky Chunk” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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 building project. Pete Holland, UCLan’s director of veterinary partnerships, joins Allister to discuss the school’s continuing development and some of the key issues currently facing the veterinary education sector. Podcast music: "Funky Chunk" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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 veterinary parasitology and is head of the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) UK and Ireland, and guidelines director for ESCCAP Europe. An accompanying article to this podcast, “The rise and rise of tick-borne flaviviruses”, is in Vet Times (2025), Volume 55, Issue 25, Pages 6-10. It is online at vettimes.com at https://www.vettimes.com/clinical/small-animal/the-rise-and-rise-of-tick-borne-flaviviruses

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 their mission is to improve the lives of pets through science, in support of their purpose of creating a better world for pets. Researchers at Waltham have recently launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study programme, known as PAWS. Working in collaboration with leading global academic institutions and experts, the multi-study PAWS programme will explore the relationships between pets and people and the role pets play in well-being across multiple geographies and demographics. Engaging more than 35,000 pet owners across more than 20 countries, this ambitious research programme aims to deepen our understanding of the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond through robust scientific data. Dr Tammie King is a member of the research leadership team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. Her passion lies in improving dog and cat health through evidence-based knowledge. In fact, Dr King holds a PhD in anthrozoology – the study of human-animal interactions – and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in animal behaviour. Vanessa Ashall is technical lead for the PAWS research programme and is central to defining the research strategy. It’s Vanessa who holds responsibility for ensuring the portfolio of projects truly demonstrate Waltham’s commitment to robust, innovative and impactful research into the human-animal bond. Vanessa is a European veterinary specialist in animal welfare science, ethics and law, a bioethicist, a social scientist and a cross disciplinary HAI researcher.

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 certificate in advanced veterinary practice in cattle. Following 15 years in clinical practice and a stint working for an agri-tech company, Phil now works as an independent consultant to both farms and industry bodies. He is a former council member of the BVA. He wrote “Respiratory disease in cattle: preventive versus reactive care” for Vet Times Livestock (2025), Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 9-10 (which went out with Vet Times Volume 55, Issue 12). The article is available online at vettimes.com [https://www.vettimes.com/clinical/livestock/respiratory-disease-in-cattle-preventive-versus-reactive-care] SPONSORED This podcast is sponsored by Zoetis, which has recently launched Protivity, the UK’s first authorised Mycoplasma bovis vaccine for cattle. What if you could be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to Mycoplasma bovis? Protivity, the first modified-live vaccine for Mycoplasma bovis in cattle, is now available in the UK. The days of relying on antibiotics alone to help control Mycoplasma bovis are over. It’s time to change the game for your herds with Protivity. To learn more, UK veterinary professionals can visit the website. [https://bit.ly/4jRJxv3]

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 predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in more than 100 countries. About the interviewee: Stephanie Armstrong is regional president at Zoetis, part of the Zoetis senior leadership team, where she oversees operations and growth across her team. A trained veterinarian and successful business leader, Stephanie encompasses a rare combination of frontline veterinary experience and strategic acumen in the animal pharmaceutical industry, making her uniquely positioned to drive innovation and impact across the animal health sector. An advocate for positive change with a one health approach, Stephanie is also deeply committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterinarians, recognising the unique challenges they face. Stephanie is headstrong in her commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the industry, as it is a topic she is particularly passionate about, often talking about this global issue from a thought leadership perspective. Stephanie is dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession by elevating the voices of industry talent, advocating for vets, and shining a light on the critical challenges faced by both vets and livestock farmers today. As a member of the council at the RVC, Stephanie plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of veterinary education and advancing initiatives that bridge the academic and practical applications of animal care.

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.... For access to these resources, visit https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/

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 medical care for the global Antech veterinary diagnostics business. Additionally, Jimmy serves a key role in connecting science and diagnostics with the Mars Petcare ecosystem and the veterinary profession. Most recently, Jimmy was Blue Pearl’s CMO, a position he held since 2018, growing the clinical affairs team and taking it to new levels of medical leadership and excellence. While serving as CMO of BluePearl, Jimmy helped establish the Board of Chief Veterinary Medical Officers, which is an important collective of more than 60 top veterinary medical leaders from across the profession representing various industry segments. Jimmy currently chairs the Board of Chief Veterinary Medical Officers. Jimmy holds undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Louisiana State University and completed his residency in emergency and critical care at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston. Jimmy worked clinically at BluePearl starting in 2007 and served on the faculty at Texas A&M University before serving in BluePearl leadership. Find out more about Antech at stand G10 at London Vet Show or at https://antechdiagnostics.co.uk 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 Experience one of the world’s largest reference laboratory networks, comprehensive in-house analysers and solutions, the most trusted diagnostic imaging equipment, advanced telemedicine and AI-powered solutions, and the flexibility to practice medicine your way. Antech. Smarter Diagnostics. Better Care.

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 becoming ruminant veterinary advisor for the south of the UK at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health in 2021. –––––––––– 𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦 𝗕𝗩𝗠, 𝗕𝗩𝗦, 𝗗𝗕𝗥, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 George is a director of Giles and Parsons Farm Vets, a dairy-focused vet practice in Cornwall. His main areas of interest are change management and communication strategies to improve herd health and production. Working with a variety of dairy systems from extensive block calving herds to high yielding indoor systems, he actively seeks to challenge and motivate dairy farmers into making the most of their chosen system. |–––––––––– 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 Optimax is an adaptable framework based on lean management principles to support farm vets in helping clients streamline processes, reduce waste while optimising calf health, and improve job satisfaction and farm productivity. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working with vets to introduce the process with practical on-farm meetings.

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, 𝗗𝗦𝗛𝗣, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗦𝗥𝗛𝗠, 𝗙𝗛𝗘𝗔, 𝗙𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Fiona is a European and RCVS-recognised specialist in sheep health and production. She runs the sheep veterinary consultancy company Flock Health, and is a clinical associate professor at Nottingham Vet School.

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/article/oa-the-impact-on-pets-lives/ ••• 𝗦𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗘 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗧 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Sophie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2012, after first completing a BSc in Animal Science from the University of Nottingham. She spent a short time in mixed practice before settling into small animal first opinion work. On the pursuit of diversification, she gained a medical writing qualification and now splits her time between clinical work and running her veterinary writing business, enjoying the variety this brings. ••• 𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗲𝗱(𝗛𝗼𝗻𝘀), 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Sarah graduated from the RVC in 2003. Since graduation she has worked in small animal practice both as a general practitioner and at referral level. She is the clinical director at a Highcliff Veterinary Practice in Suffolk, as well as a freelance writer for Canine Arthritis Management and other organisations. She has special interests in small animal medicine, pain medicine and quality improvement. ••• 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 Control osteoarthritis pain and inflammation for seven days with just one dose.   Daxocox is the only once-weekly, first-line NSAID for all stages of OA.   Want to learn more about Daxocox – and how it can help to improve client adherence? For further details, or to book a meeting with an Animalcare territory manager, visit https://www.animalcare.co.uk/daxocox_meeting/

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 about former glories and where her ambition, hard work and tenacity have led her in the proceeding years.

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 is available at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/oncology-update-on-diagnosis-staging-and-treatment-options/ 𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔, 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗕, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗩𝗥, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗦𝗔𝗦, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗘𝗖𝗩𝗦, 𝗗𝗔𝗖𝗩𝗦, 𝗙𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Nick was the BSAVA PetSavers resident in soft tissue surgery and oncology at the University of Cambridge, and completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at the Animal Cancer Center, Colorado State University. He was part of the surgical oncology faculty at the University of Florida from 2006-2014. Nick then moved back to the UK and was appointed professor of surgical oncology at the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He co-founded Aura Veterinary, a referral hospital in Guildford, seeing patients from across the UK for consultations in medical, surgical and interventional oncology, internal medicine and soft tissue surgery. Nick is also a diplomate of the European and American colleges of veterinary surgeons (ACVS), a past-president of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology and an ACVS founding fellow of surgical oncology.

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 Watson, RVN at iCatCare, called “Preventive health care advice for indoor cats”. It is online at https://www.vettimes.co.uk/article/preventive-health-care-advice-for-indoor-cats/ ••• 𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗜𝗘𝗪𝗜𝗖𝗭 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Ellen is communications manager at iCatCare. She is also a qualified veterinarian with more than eight years of experience in small animal practice, working in her home country of Australia and at the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in New Zealand. Ellen then moved to the UK, where she worked as a locum vet before making the transition into veterinary communications. ••• Resources for further information, some covered in the podcast, include: www.icatcare.org – for owner advice https://www.catcare4life.org/ – for veterinary professionals https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X13477537 – ISFM and AAFP Environmental Needs Guidelines https://www.abcdcatsvets.org/ – ABCD guidelines ESCCAP Guidelines: https://www.esccapuk.org.uk/ WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines: https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/vaccination-guidelines/

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 status in 2015. He is clinical director of referrals at Pets’n’Vets, Glasgow, where he leads Roundhouse Referrals, treating many lame dogs with orthopaedic injuries, as well as developing the team management of many osteoarthritic patients. His article, “Sustained management of OA”, was in Vet Times (Volume 54, Issue 29, Pages 6-11) and is available to read in full at https://bit.ly/3WPRwOs

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 Boehringer Ingelheim ruminant specialist or vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com for further advice and resources. ••• 𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗔, 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗠𝗕, 𝗠𝗩𝗠, 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗘𝗖𝗕𝗛𝗠, 𝗣𝗵𝗗, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Ginny qualified from the University of Cambridge in 2011 and completed a farm animal internship before going into private practice. In 2014  she undertook a residency, then a PhD, at the University of Nottingham, becoming a European specialist in 2017. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the University of Nottingham, focusing on herd health, especially youngstock management.   ••• 𝗞𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗩𝗦𝗰, 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗖𝗛𝗣, 𝗠𝗥𝗖𝗩𝗦 Kath is a veterinary advisor with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, providing technical support for Boehringer’s ruminant range of medicines. Before joining Boehringer, Kath spent 20 years as a farm vet in Somerset, New Zealand and Cumbria. Kath has a particular interest in knowledge exchange and improving health and well-being in agriculture and recently gained an MSc in sustainable food and agriculture policy.