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RWAF Launches Christmas Appeal
Charity issues care advice for rabbits.

 The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) have appealed in the spirit of the season for owners to pay more attention to their pets.

Rabbits are the most neglected pets in the UK. Many live in cramped hutches with no space to exercise, an inadequate diet, and no companionship. A sedentary lifestyle often leads to muscle weakness and a fragile spine, which can lead to a vulnerability to injury when handled. Fly strike and other medical problems are rife.

The RWAF recommends that a rabbit should have a suitable hutch connected to a safe exercise area, plenty of warm and dry bedding that should be replaced regularly, and a healthy diet with a strong emphasis on grass.

They also recommend that a rabbit should be neutered and bonded with another neutered rabbit, because rabbits never live alone in the wild and the domestic rabbit values companionship as much as food. And what better time for companionship than Christmas?

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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
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.