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RCVS issues guidance after reclassification of drugs
Drugs
The RCVS has issued advice for practitioners about the use of ketamine and tramadol.

Regulatory changes mean new prescription requirements for tramadol  

The RCVS has issued advice for vets following the reclassification of ketamine and tramadol. 
 
Regulatory changes mean that tramadol is now classified as a controlled drug, and has been added to Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulation 2001. This change was made effective by the Home Office as of June 10, 2014.
 
Practitioners should be aware that as a Schedule 3 controlled drug, tramadol is now subject to special requirements when writing prescriptions:
 
  • Prescriptions for Schedule 3 controlled drugs are only valid for 28 days and are non-repeatable
  • It is an offence to supply a Schedule 3 controlled drug against a fax or email prescription; the original prescription must be obtained before the medicine is dispensed
  • If supplying a Schedule 3 controlled drug against another veterinary surgeon’s prescription, checks need to be made to ensure that the prescription has come from a UK address and that the signature is genuine
  • The date on which the drug was supplied must be marked on the prescription and the prescription retained on the practice premises for at least five years

The RCVS also advises that despite being exempt from Safe Custody Regulations, all Schedule 3 controlled drugs should be locked away. 

Ketamine has also been reclassified as a Class B controlled drug. It remains under Schedule 4 of the 2001 regulations, meaning that the legal requirements for supply, storage and record keeping should remain the same.
 
The RCVS therefore continues to advise that practice premises should:

  • Record the use of ketamine in an informal register
  • Store ketamine in a controlled drugs cabinet
  • Destroy ketamine in the presence of an authorised witness
 
For further information about the specific requirements for controlled drugs, see the Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s Guidance Note No 20 - Controlled Drugs.
 
Practice premises can also contact the RCVS professional conduct department for further guidance on 020 7202 0789 or by email.

 

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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.