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SPVS launches a survey on RCVS reform
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SPVS is asking its members to complete a questionnaire to ensure its response to the proposed changes accurately reflect the views of its members.
Members asked for their views to inform SPVS' response

The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has launched an online questionnaire to find out more about its members' opinions on the proposed changes to RCVS governance.

RCVS Council is currently made up of 42 members who meet three times a year in March, June and November. Among other changes, the college is proposing to increase the number of yearly meetings and cut the number of council members by at least 25 per cent.

A Defra consultation is currently underway, giving members of the veterinary profession and the public the opportunity to share their views on these proposals.

SPVS is asking its members to complete a questionnaire to ensure its response to the proposed changes accurately reflect the views of its members.

The questions cover a number of different aspects of the proposals, such as the proportion of veterinary surgeons, nurses and veterinary school representatives on council, the size of council, terms of office and methods of appointing new members.

To complete the survey, visit: http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NIVPX/

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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...
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NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.