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Swiss strengthen institute for veterinary expertise
The Institute of Virology and Immunology in Switzerland has incorporated the University of Bern's Institute of Veterinary Virology
The Institute of Virology and Immunology in Switzerland has incorporated the University of Bern's Institute of Veterinary Virology

Move will strengthen skills, research and teaching in animal disease control

The Federal Government in Switzerland and the University of Bern have combined their veterinary expertise to create a new authority for animal health.

The university's Institute of Veterinary Virology has become part of  the Swiss Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Office's Institute of Virology and Immunology ( IVI ).

The announcement over the move, said it would strengthen skills, research and teaching in the fields of animal health and disease control. The two authorities have already worked closely together for a number of years but this is the first time that they have been formally integrated together.

The IVI is the Swiss reference laboratory for diagnosis , monitoring and control of highly infectious animal diseases such as avian influenza , foot-and-mouth disease and swine fever. It also examines the emergence of new diseases in animals and its potential for transmission to humans.

It is led by Prof Volker Thiel ( virology ) and Prof Artur Summerfield ( immunology) – both are members of the university.

For more information about IVI , see www.ivi.admin.ch

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.