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Former head vet suspended as FEI Official
jockeys
The UAE Equestrian Federation’s former head vet has been suspended as an FEI official.
Dr Hallvard Sommerseth found “grossly negligent” with regards to his duties

The UAE Equestrian Federation’s former head vet has been suspended as an FEI Official.

Dr Hallvard Sommerseth is suspended for two years for non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations and his involvement in a number of events from which duplicate results were submitted to the FEI.

The FEI Tribunal found that Dr Sommerseth had been “grossly negligent with regards to his duties as an FEI Official” during the events.  
 
The suspension prevents Dr Sommerseth from acting as an FEI Official or having any involvement in FEI activities at a national or international level until 15 April 2017. 

He has been fined CHF 4,000 and ordered to pay CHF 1,500 towards the costs of legal proceedings.

In addition to Dr Sommerseth, the FEI has also published its decision to suspend Abdul Aziz Sheikh former head of the EEF Endurance department, and Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi.

Mr Sheikh was provisionally suspended in October for constantly failing to observe FEI rules and regulations over a period of several years. He allowed a number of Endurance events to go ahead without accurate timing systems.

The FEI Tribunal has now suspended him until 12 April 2017, taking into account the provisional suspension imposed by the FEI Secretary General.

Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi was provisionally suspended regarding breaches of the terms of a four-year suspension imposed in March 2012 following an Equine Anti-Doping Rules violation.

Under the terms of the suspension, Mr Al Muhairi was not allowed to participate in any capacity or be present at any Event authorised or organised by the FEI, other than as a spectator.

The FEI Tribunal extended the period of ineligibility through to 21 April 2016 and ordered Mr Al Muhairi to contribute CHF 500 towards the costs of the legal procedure.

The Parties have 21 days from the date of notification (10 March 2016) to appeal the decision to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
 

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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.