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Fourth COVID impact survey shows continuing progress towards normality
The fourth COVID impact survey was sent out to 3,077 UK veterinary practices at the beginning of September.

More than half of practices surveyed report increased or steady turnover

Many veterinary practices have reported that business appears to be returning to normal, according to the findings from the RCVS’ fourth survey on the impact of COVID-19 on veterinary practice.

The survey received 241 responses, an eight per cent increase on the 196 responses received for the third COVID impact survey.

The findings revealed that 58 per cent of respondents felt that their practices were operating a ‘near normal’ service, and a further 27 per cent reported a return to ‘business as usual’.

Only a small percentage of practices reported that they had staff who were self-isolating or in quarantine, and just 10 per cent of practices had veterinary surgeons who were currently furloughed, compared to 47 per cent in June.

In June, the large majority of practices reported that their turnover had reduced, whereas findings from the most recent survey show that 56 per cent said turnover had stayed the same or increased. 80 per cent of respondents said that their practice’s cash flow had stayed the same or even improved compared to pre-COVID 19.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said: “The results from this latest survey indicate that, for many practices, business continues to progress towards normality, with over half of respondents saying they were delivering a ‘near normal’ service. 

“However, the pandemic is far from over, with many areas of the UK entering into new periods of greater restriction even since our survey was carried out.

“In light of the ever-changing situation and new regulations set out by the four UK governments, we would encourage as many practices as possible to engage with our fifth survey – scheduled for November – to allow us to best gauge developments and identify where support and further guidance is needed.”

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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
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.