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Challenge Ahead for New Animal Health & Welfare Board
New members appointed to AHWBE, set to get going this month.

Defras has announced the first non-executive members of the new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England. Stewart Houston, Stuart Roberts, Mark Tufnell and veterinary surgeon Tim Morris will be joining chair Michael Seals in helping develop the Government's straetgic Animal Health and Welfare policy.

The Board's inception followed a recommendation by the Responsibility and Cost Sharing Advisory Group, and it will be making direct recommendations to ministers on policy pertaining to the health and welfare of all kept animals, from farm animals to horses and pets.

Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association, welcomed the creation of the Board but highlighted the challenges it will face.

He said: "The Board has the very difficult task of taking forward the responsibility agenda and shaping the way costs will be shared in the future. It must fully engage with all stakeholders if it is to succeed in taking everyone forward in agreement."

He added: "The BVA was supportive of the recommendation of the Radcliffe group to create an expert Animal Health and Welfare Board and we welcome the announcement that it will now start work in November."

For more information on the AHWBE, click here.



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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.