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Lord Soulsby awarded Queen's Medal
Lord Soulsby
Lord Soulsby receiving the Queen’s Medal from the (then) President of the RCVS, Professor Stuart Reid, at RCVS Day 2015.

Honoured for 'truly exceptional' career

Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior, the first veterinary surgeon to be made a Life Peer of the House of Lords, has been awarded the Queen's Medal by the RCVS.

The former president of both the RCVS and the Royal Society of Medicine was awarded the honour during RCVS Day - the College's Annual General Meeting and Awards Day. It is the most prestigious honour the RCVS can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon and is reserved for those whose distinguished careers and outstanding lifetime achievements deserve wider recognition.

In introducing Lord Soulsby, professor Stuart Reid said: “Lord Soulsby has had a truly exceptional career, which in several respects is unique in its achievements, not least bridging the worlds of medical and veterinary science.
 
“He has worked tirelessly to promote the importance of veterinary science to society and is admired not only for his intellect, hard work and breadth of interests, but also his endearing personality.”
 
He added: “His publications, research, international awards, fellowships, visiting professorships and prizes all testify to his global impact and reputation, but perhaps his greatest gift has been the stimulation and support he has given to hundreds of veterinary surgeons to aim for their highest goals.”

Accepting the award, Lord Soulsby thanked professor the Lord Trees for nominating him and paid tribute to his late wife Annette and all those colleagues and fellow veterinary surgeons who supported him through his career.

He said: "Looking back on my career, membership of the RCVS has carried me to many countries in the world and all the work I enjoyed, and I hope that I have been able to progress veterinary medicine and 'one health' in all of those places."

Image (C) RCVS

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.