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RCVS launch 'middle tier' accreditation for vet surgeons
Vets in a meeting
Practising veterinary surgeons with at least five years' experience and a relevant postgraduate qualification will be eligible to apply
Accreditation demonstrates the veterinary surgeon has advanced knowledge in a designated field.

Starting in September, the RCVS will begin to accept the first applications for Advanced Practitioner status, its new accreditation for veterinary surgeons.

The new accreditation status represents a 'middle tier' between veterinary surgeons holding an initial veterinary degree and RCVS specialists, and will demonstrate that the veterinary surgeon has advanced knowledge and experience in a designated field of veterinary practice.

Practising veterinary surgeons with at least five years' experience and a relevant postgraduate qualification will be eligible to apply to be recognised as RCVS Advanced Practitioners. Accepted qualifications include the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (CertAVP) with a designation; the RCVS Certificate awarded up to 2012; postgraduate clinical qualifications awarded by universities or recognised awarding bodies; and other relevant clinical postgraduate master’s degrees.

Advanced Practitioners will be expected to undertake at least 250 hours of CPD over each five-year period of accreditation, of which 125 hours should be in their designated field.

Dr Kit Sturgess, chair of the advanced practitioner assessors panel, said: “Being an Advanced Practitioner is more than just a status – it will demonstrate to members of the public and colleagues alike that a veterinary surgeon is working at an advanced level in their field and has made an ongoing commitment to career development and lifelong learning through engaging with CPD over and above the RCVS minimum requirement.”

Applications can be made online at www.rcvs.org.uk/advanced where further information about eligible qualifications, CPD requirements and fees can be found.
 
A free webinar about Advanced Practitioner status will take place on Tuesday 30 September at 8.30pm. To register for the webinar visit www.thewebinarvet.com/rcvs-advanced-practitioner-status

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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.