Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th October 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Guide for poultry farmers
Advice released on keeping hens feathered

A four-page guide that shows poultry farmers how to help prevent feather-loss in laying hens has been released.

The booklet has been put together jointly by the RSPCA, the Soil Association and the University of Bristol, in order to help combat what they say is a "key welfare issue".

Feather-loss takes number of management strategies to combat, according to the guide. It says that the most common reason hens lose feathers is due to other hens pecking them, usually because of limited foraging opportunities and poor litter quality.

The guide, which covers the causes of feather loss, best practice for keeping free-range, barn and organic hens with good feather cover, and managing a feather-loss problem, is fully supported by the British Egg Industry Council.

RSPCA senior scientific officer for farm animals, Alice Clark, said: "We are so pleased to be part of such a positive collaborative effort to hep find solutions to this key welfare issue affecting laying hens."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.