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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. 

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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.