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BVA launches maternity & paternity guide
Employers and employees to benefit from new guide

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has launched a comprehensive guide on maternity and paternity for employers, employees and locums.

The Guidance on Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Rights includes supporting FAQs, timelines for quick reference, as well as health and safety advice and a template risk assessment form.

The guide follows on changes in legislation and a number of new rules and regulations relating to maternity, paternity and adoption are combined into an easy to read guide with short sections on each topic.

Professor Bill Reilly, a past president of the BVA, chaired the members services sub group which developed the document. He commented: "This Guidance tells everyone in the practice team what they need to know about pregnancy in the workplace.
 
"Developed with the help of human resources and legal experts this Guidance answers common questions, gives a great overview of what should happen when, as well as who has which rights and responsibilities."

He added: "It is specifically tailored to the veterinary environment so vets, vet nurses and practice managers should all find the clear advice useful."

The guide is available to all BVA members here.

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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.