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RVC neurology professor appointed QMHA Clinical Director
Dr De Decker will lead one of the world’s largest and most advanced veterinary hospitals.
Dr Steven De Decker will support one of the world’s leading veterinary hospitals.

Dr Steven De Decker has taken up the role of Clinical Director for the Small Animal Referrals Service at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA).

A Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the RVC, Dr De Decker will lead one of the world’s largest and most advanced veterinary hospitals.

In his new role, he will work closely with QMHA leadership and clinical teams to support the hospital’s continued development and delivery of specialist care.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr De Decker said: “It is an enormous privilege to take up the role of Clinical Director. While the RVC is at the forefront of clinical service and innovation, it is also a warm, welcoming and empathic place. I look forward to contributing to the further development and growth of the QMHA and its community.”

The QMHA is one of the world’s leading veterinary hospitals, featuring advanced diagnostic and surgical technology, the UK’s largest team of board-certified specialists, and Europe’s only recognised Level 1 Trauma Centre.

As a not-for-profit teaching hospital, clinicians have access to the latest clinical data and advanced equipment, with its specialists leading vital research and care in their relevant fields.

Dr De Decker graduated from Ghent University in 2005 and completed a PhD on the diagnosis and treatment of disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (or wobbler syndrome) in dogs.

He became Head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery service at the QMHA in 2016, with research interests focused on spinal cord disorders, neurosurgery and clinical reasoning in dogs and cats.

Outside of his clinical role, Dr De Decker frequently delivers CPD at a national and international level. He is the Past-President of the British Veterinary Neurology Society and the current Chair of the Education Committee of the European College of Veterinary Neurology.

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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.