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

Experts unite for 28th National Equine Forum
"The forum is all about being the facilitator of knowledge in the industry" - Georgina Crossman, NEF convener.
Event was live-streamed to more than 20 countries

Leading figures from across the veterinary, equestrian and charitable sectors gathered in London earlier this month for the 28th National Equine Forum (NEF).
 
The event, which was live-streamed to more than 20 countries, covered an array of topics from disease risk, the donkey skin trade and social licence. It also looked at behavioural change and preparation for the Tokyo Olympics.
 
To improve and maximise audience interaction, this year saw the introduction of an audience participation tool, Sli.do. More than 400 users submitted questions to the experts, which were answered in the Q&A panels after some of the sessions.
 
Georgina Crossman, NEF convener, said: "The Forum is all about being the facilitator of knowledge in the industry. Building our audience is the best way to ensure the right information reaches as many people as possible. We thank you all for your support, engagement and interaction."
 
During the event, rural affairs minister Lord Gardiner of Kimble presented The Defra view of the horse industry in a changing world. He announced that the Central Equine database will shortly allow owners to update their details via the online Digital Stable. This comes ahead of the microchipping deadline of 1 October 2020, which applies to all horses born before 2009.
 
The event also saw Dr Richard Newton, director of epidemiology and disease surveillance at the Animal Health Trust, discuss managing infectious disease risks. Using the recent outbreaks of equine viral arteritis and equine influenza outbreaks as examples, he explained strategies to minimise the chance of disease risk.
 
The NEF is organised by a committee reflecting various sectors of the equine industry and is presided by HRH Princess Royal. All of the sessions from the event can be viewed here. 

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.