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Welfare focus for World Veterinary Day
Katie McConnell
Katie McConnell was inaugurated as BSAVA president at the association's congress in early April this year.
Celebrating the vital role of the profession for animals and society

Each year, vets and nurses from around the world celebrate World Veterinary Day (WVD). It is a chance to inform the general public about the importance of the veterinary profession to both animals and society.

The theme this year is animal welfare. BSAVA president Katie McConnell says : "It is a lifelong commitment to animal welfare that drives vets and veterinary nurses on a daily basis."

She argues this commitment is shared by animal lovers and pet owners, so the theme "presents an umbrella under which we can bring together all those who share this passion."

WVD has taken place on the last Saturday of every April since it was initiated by the World Veterinary Association in 2000. Previous themes have included one health, rabies and vaccination.

Tying in with this year's theme, the WSAVA Foundation has launched the "African Small Companion Animal Network. The scheme aims to advance veterinary care standards across Africa by creating a network of companion animal vets, associations and specialist groups in sub-Saharan Africa.

Another project, WSAVA Global Outreach, hopes to share the knowledge and experience of WSAVA members more widely around the world.

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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.