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VPMA 2012 Congress opens!
Guest speakers Mark Opperman and Sheila Grosdidier
Congress to run from 26th-28th January

The 2012 Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) Congress has opened at the Chesford Grange Hotel of Kenilworth, Warwickshire. A packed program of guest speakers, lectures, seminars and social events awaits those attending.

Those arriving on the evening of Thursday 26th are advised to do so before 7pm so they do not miss the beginning of the social programme. 'Team Generation Game', complete with cuddly toy and conveyor belt, will hopefully break the ice and bring back memories of the old TV favourite.

Friday 27th will be devoted to a stream on the subtleties of modern marketing, complete with presentations on websites, social networking, search engine optimisation and e-marketing. That practices are adapting – some with more success than others – to these new forms of communication with clients is by now a well known industry trend, so it is expected that the presentations will be useful and well-attended. Six sessions will be on offer and they will be appropriate for the expert and the novice alike.

The evening, however, will be devoted to a sparkling drinks reception sponsored by the veterinary wholesaler Henry Schein and a four-course banquet provided by Norbrook. Blind Lemon will also be making a triumphant return, and it is hoped that this year's Congress will enjoy their appearance as much as last year's.

Saturday 28th, once those attending have recovered sufficiently from the previous evening, will see three streams on offer: Retailing Masterclasses, HR Boot Camp, and Impact on People sessions. Delegates are welcome to move between streams so that they can learn what will benefit their practices the most.

More details are available from the Congress website at www.vpmacongress.co.uk.

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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.