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Veterinary tip winner at BCVA congress
Advice from Somerset vet wins competition

Vet Phil Kenward has won a competition at the BCVA congress for the best practical veterinary tip.

The tip was: "Do not allow the owner's diagnosis of his problem to worry or influence you before you examine the animal yourself."

Mr Kenward, of Farm Vets South West in Somerset, won a bottle of port for his wise words.

The competition was organised to celebrate the launch of The Pocket Book of Tips for Practising Vets. Money raised from its sales will go to the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF).

President of the VBF Lydia Brown, said: "This book has been a monumental effort by six mixed practice vets, to both share their experience with the profession and to provide very welcome funds for the veterinary profession’s own charity, the VBF."

Judges Jonathan Statham, president of BCVA, and Andrew Praill, senior vice president, decided to award Mr Kenward winner of the competition. 

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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.