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Report on future of vets in food sector published
Veterinary Development Council publishes report

The long-awaited report of the multi-stakeholder Veterinary Development Council (VDC), which contains eleven recommendations on the future of the role of vets in the UK's food sector, has been published. The report can be found here.

The Council was able to bring veterinary surgeons, the veterinary schools, the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, regulators, retailers, producers and processors together to discuss the role of vets in the food supply chain, and three working groups focussing on The Role of the Vet-led Team, Food Industry Engagement and Business Models were established in recognition of the need to investigate these specific areas of importance. The VDC itself was chaired by Professor Richard Bennett (Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Reading).

Commenting, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Carl Padgett said “The VDC’s major success has been in bringing together representatives from across the whole spectrum of the food industry to try to map out a positive future for farm animal veterinary practice. It is essential that we identify and seize opportunities in the wider food chain and ensure our profession remains viable and relevant to our clients. Vets are highly valued by both farmers and government but we can always do more and I look forward to taking the VDC’s recommendations forward with other stakeholders.”

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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.