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New Dean for West Indies vet school
Dean makes inaugural address

The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) on the West Indian island of St. Kitts has welcomed a new Dean. Dr Elaine Watson, an internationally-recognised scholar who previously served with distinction as Dean of the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine, made her inaugural address to the faculty, staff and students at a celebration of welcome held in her honour.

The RUVSM was founded in 1982 and has graduated over two thousand students. It is affiliated with 23 US veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) – the only facility outside the US and Canada so recognised.

Thanking those attending for such a warm welcome, Dr Watson outlined her high hopes for the RUSVM and expressed the hope that the School would become a major player in the field of veterinary medicine. She also stated the belief that veterinary medicine could offer more on a global scale and that the sector was integral to global efforts to alleviate poverty.

"Opportunities in the areas of global expansion, in veterinary education and research exist. It is my goal that RUSVM be known for innovations in education and be positioned to demonstrate stronger leadership within the veterinary community."
 she said, adding "Throughout the practice of veterinary public health, animal disease efforts and interactions with medical teams, RUSVM can truly become a leader within the global healthcare community. Through the formation of collaborations and strategic partnerships, RUSVM and its members can truly make a difference to the world."

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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.