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RCVS extends temporary remote prescribing guidance further
The temporary guidance has been extended to 30 September 2021.
The guidelines for remotely prescribing POM-Vs will continue until September. 

Temporary guidance which currently enables veterinary surgeons to remotely prescribe prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-Vs) has been extended to midnight, 30 September 2021.

The RCVS Standards Committee recently decided on the extension, feeling that it would help practices to cope with current COVID-related struggles, and would assist in the period of preparation for a transition back to regular rules for prescribing. 

This extension of the temporary guidance for remote prescribing still means that this prescribing is subject to the specific guidance set out in FAQ 4, including guidelines that consider the level of information, suitable alternatives, benefits compared with risk, and provision of 24/7 follow up services.

The Committee felt that despite the fact that the temporary guidance cannot remain in place indefinitely, the extension would allow practices to continue necessary care to their clients during this time. 

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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
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.