Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS reports recent practice burglaries
lock and key
The RCVS says it has been made aware of a number of recent burglaries of veterinary practices for the purpose of stealing controlled drugs.
Practices reminded to store controlled drugs securely
 
The RCVS says it has been made aware of a number of recent burglaries of veterinary practices for the purpose of stealing controlled drugs. Practices are being reminded to store controlled drugs safely and securely to protect themselves.

There is a legal requirement for all schedule 2 controlled drugs, except quinabarbitone, and certain schedule 3 controlled drugs to be stored in a locked container that is compliant with the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973.

However, the RCVS advises that all schedule 3 controlled drugs be kept in a controlled drug cabinet.

Only a veterinary surgeon or nominated person at the practice may access the controlled drugs cabinet. If a nominated person who is not a veterinary surgeon is removing drugs from the cabinet, the veterinary surgeon directing them remains legally and professionally responsible.

For the college's full guidance on this, including destruction of controlled drugs and the use, location, design and construction of cabinets, see the Controlled Drugs Guidance and Practice Standards Scheme manuals:
Many UK police forces have controlled drug liaison officers who can provide advice on safe storage. Contact details for officers by area can be obtained from the Association of Police Controlled Drugs Liaison Officers: http://www.apcdlo.org.uk/contact.html

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.