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Charity appoints first 'vet student champion'
Mariella Savage
First-year vet student Mariella Savage will be the inaugural vet student champion.

New scheme aims to create a platform for knowledge sharing
 
The British Horse Society (BHS) has appointed its first 'veterinary student champion' as part of a new drive to forge links between vet students, horse owners and the BHS.

Under the new scheme, a student from the University of Surrey's vet school will be chosen each year to raise awareness about the work going on at the university and within the charity. It will be their job to explore ways for the two organisations to benefit from one another's expertise.

First-year vet student Mariella Savage will be the inaugural vet student champion. She was one of many to apply for the role, but BHS says her knowledge, passion and enthusiasm set her apart.

Commenting on her new position, Mariella said: "I was keen to help create a bridge between my university and the British Horse Society. I feel it will really benefit us as veterinary students, as well as enabling us to share our experiences and the knowledge we are gaining with BHS members."

The inspiration for the scheme came from Dr Teresa Hollands, a senior teaching fellow in veterinary nutrition.

"Veterinary universities provide an amazing opportunity for the work of the BHS to be promoted to a new and important audience," she explained.

"Equally exciting will be the sharing of research being undertaken by veterinary universities and the dissemination of this knowledge to members."

Image courtesy of the University of Surrey

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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.