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MBE for VBF President
Dr Lydia Brown is awarded an MBE
The President of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has been awarded an MBE.

Dr Lydia Brown has been honored in the Queen’s New Years  List for services to the veterinary profession.  
 
Dr Brown qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Liverpool and has spent most of her professional career in commerce. She became a Director of the VBF in 2005, when the Fund merged with VSHSP and VetHelpline under the umbrella of the VBF. She was elected President of the Fund in 2006.
 
Dr Brown said:
 
“It gives me great pleasure to receive this award. The achievements of the VBF reflect the tireless work of many colleagues, who give their time unstintingly to help members of the profession less fortunate than themselves.”
 
Dr Brown is active in a number of areas of the veterinary profession and is also a lay canon and member of chapter of Salisbury Cathedral, and a non-executive Director of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Hospital.
 

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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
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.