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Learning from homeless cats
  Amy Paddock with Cookie

Charity and college partnership set to benefit all

In a collaboration with pet charity Blue Cross, South Staffordshire College is providing care for homeless cats and kittens, until they are rehomed.

The college has provided specially made "cat chalets" and is allowing those students studying Animal Care and Management to look after the cats, whilst gaining valuable experience.

"I'm really enjoying looking after cats for Blue Cross," said student Amy Paddock. "Practical experience is really important for my course and so I'm learning at the same time.

"It makes it extra special to be helping a charity and to know that for many of these cats there simply isn't anywhere else for them to go, so they really do need our help."
 
Michelle Smith, Blue Cross regional foster manager, added that the new partnership will give homeless cats in the area the best chance of finding a new home, while enabling students to gain useful first-hand experience of looking after animals.

"Blue Cross rehoming centres across the UK are full of cats and kittens desperate for new homes and our catteries are often full to capacity," she commented, "so it really is a win-win partnership for all of us – including the cats!”

Image courtesy of South Staffordshire College

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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.