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Edinburgh vets win prestigious awards
Richard and heather
Heather Bacon and Richard Mellanby have won prestigious awards for their contributions to the profession.

Honoured for their efforts to improve animal care

Experts from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies have been honoured for their contributions to the profession.

Richard Mellanby received the 2016 Petplan Scientific Achievement Award for his contributions to clinical research.

Richard leads the small animal medicine team at the University’s hospital and is an intermediate clinical fellow for the Wellcome Trust.

His research looks at understanding the factors involved in the initiation and resolution of inflammation in animals.

Heather Bacon took home the CEVA Chris Laurence Vet of the Year award in recognition of her commitment to the continued improvement of animal welfare.

Heather leads education programmes to improve the care of animals across the globe. She is veterinary welfare education and outreach manager in the Jeanne Marching International Centre for Animal Welfare Education.

Commenting on the awards, Professor David Argyle, head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies said: “These awards are fiercely competitive so I am delighted to see two exceptional members of staff recognised for their achievements.”

Image (C) University of Edinburgh

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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.