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First EBVM Conference raises questions
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Veterinary professionals discuss emerging issues in veterinary medicine

The role of evidence in veterinary medicine has formed the subject of the first international Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine Conference this week.

Veterinary professionals gathered in Windsor for the two day event this week, to share information and benefit from a thought provoking programme.

Conference discussions raise a number of questions on the veterinary profession's sources of information, how reliable these sources are, whether there are conflicts of interest and the role and reliability of drug company representatives as a source.

Commenting on Twitter, Alison Lambert, managing director of Onswitch, said: "Conflict of interest [is] key. Who do you let in your practice to help you who has conflict of interest?"

Speakers at the conference have included GP Martin Brunet, who described the way human medicine has been transformed by evidence-based medicine (EBM). Following his talk, Dr Brunet commented on Twitter: "Great to be there and to cross fertilise with the world of veterinary medicine. Fascinating to see we face similar dilemmas".

Commenting on the talk, Alison Lambert tweeted: "Great session from Dr Martin Brunet - 'Drug companies are not a good place to get evidence - they are not independent'".

We are grateful to Alison Lambert of Onswitch for providing information from the conference.

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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.