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New laminitis projects planned for 2015
horse
Laminitis is estimated to affect around 15 per cent of UK horses and ponies.
Studies will explore the impact of diet and predisposition

Two new PhD projects will explore predisposition to pasture-associated laminitis and the impact of diet on the condition.

Obesity is a growing problem, with some studies suggesting as many as 50 per cent of UK leisure horses and ponies are obese. Meanwhile, laminitis is thought to affect around 15 per cent.

Fat accumulation in horses has been increased by improved nutrition and decreased workloads. As a result, there is greater demand for improved nutritional advice for senior (over the age of 20) and obese animals.

New research in 2015 will aim to assess the impact of diet on the microbiota of these animals.

Under the supervision of Professor Caroline Argo from the University of Surrey, researchers from the University of Liverpool Equine Hospital and the University of Aberystwyth will also consider how their findings could be used to improve advice on the feeding and management of horses.

A further study on pasture-associated laminitis will take place at the Royal Veterinary College. Under the supervision of Dr Nicola Menzies-Gow and Professor Jonathan Elliott, the research team will continue current work to determine which individual horses and ponies are at most risk of developing pasture-associated laminitis.

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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.