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First vet elected to House of Commons since 1880
Dr Hudson has worked in large and small animal practice, both in the UK and Australia.

New MP hopes to bolster support for animal welfare

Equine veterinary surgeon Dr Neil Hudson has been elected as Conservative MP for Penrith and the Border, becoming the first vet to be elected to the House of Commons since 1880.

Dr Hudson initially studied at the University of Cambridge, going on to gain a Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Studies from the University of Sydney. Finally, he moved to Edinburgh, where he earned his Certificate in Equine Internal Medicine.

Currently, Dr Hudson is a senior veterinary clinical lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. He has worked in large and small animal practice, both in the UK and Australia.

Dr Hudson has expressed his investment in upholding high standards of animal welfare in the UK, as well as support for numerous animal welfare pledges outlined in the Conservative Manifesto. These include:

  • Banning imports from trophy-hunting and bringing the ivory ban into force
  • Expanding mandatory microchipping to include cats
  • Banning excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening
  • Tougher sentences for animal cruelty cases
  • Cracking down on illegal puppy smuggling.

As part of his election campaign, Dr Hudson attended a round table meeting focusing on rural businesses and met with farmers at various local marts to discuss issues facing the industry.

Receiving 28,875 votes, Dr Hudson is the fifth MP to represent the Penrith and the Border constituency. Many hope that his extensive, real-world experience will bolster support for policies surrounding rural affairs, animal welfare and education.

Image (c) The 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. 

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.