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RCVS makes Dr Rachel Dean a Fellow
Pictured: Dr Rachel Dean, FRCVS.

Dr Dean celebrated for pioneering EBVM work.

Dr Rachel Dean has been made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (FRCVS) in honour of her Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice (MCCP).

A pioneer in the field of evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), Dr Dean championed its uptake in clinical practice, and is renowned for her forward-thinking approach to generating relevant evidence to push and expand the boundaries of veterinary medicine.

Alongside this work, Dr Dean was the founding president of the Association of Charity Vets, and has also been editor-in-chief of the BSAVA's Manuel of Shelter Medicine.

Commenting on her new title, Dr Dean said: “I am interested in joining this group of people that’s become increasingly diverse, and find out what the Fellowship is all about. 

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge this could bring and the potential to challenge a few things too!”

Qualifying in 1996, Dr Dean holds a Masters in evidence-based medicine, a PhD in epidemiology and a Diploma in feline medicine.

Currently working as VetPartners director of clinical research and excellence in practice, Dr Dean hopes to work within the fellowship to champion EBVM, shelter medicine and first opinion practice.

Dr Dean continued: I’m pleased I was successful on Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice because I’ve worked in many facets of veterinary practice. 

“I’m passionate about helping to push the EBVM agenda and enabling us to be the best professions we can, ensure we are scientifically led and can be trusted with animal health.

“I feel that by being part of the Fellowship, there is potential to tackle some of the challenges we face as a profession, including making sure the right research is funded and practices receive the information they need and want, but also celebrate general practice.

“I’ve worked in many aspects of clinical practice and now work across all species to help promote and help to progress practice in all aspects of veterinary medicine.”

Image (C) VetPartners

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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.