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RWAF launches campaign on hutch space
Charity urges welfare improvements

The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund (RWAF) has launched a new campaign aiming to improve the general welfare of the nation's pet rabbits by recommending an expansion of the amount of hutch and run space to which they have access. More information about the campaign and the RWAF's recommendations on adequate hutch space can be found here.

Explaining the charity's position, Veterinary advisor for the RWAF Richard Saunders said "What you see in the wild and what you see in the garden is very different. A lot of people keep a rabbit in a hutch, alone and with no space to exercise. This simply doesn't let them act as they would naturally. Rabbits need to run and jump, and they'd never live alone in the wild."

"A Hutch should be a shelter as part of a bigger enclosure, never the sole accommodation. People get much more pleasure from their pet rabbits when they make a bit of effort to give them the life they deserve. And if you’re thinking of getting a rabbit but can’t commit to meeting their needs fully then you should think again." added Mr Saunders.

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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 members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.