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Scottish SPCA issues urgent appeal for blankets
The Scottish SPCA has been unable to accept used blankets owing to the contamination risk of COVID-19.
Charity 'struggling to keep up with demand'.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) has issued an urgent appeal for blankets for animals in their Lanarkshire and Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centres.

The animal welfare charity says that it has been unable to accept used or knitted soft furnishings owing to the links associated with COVID-19. The charity's Lanarkshire centre has already cared for some 600 animals this year, and the Aberdeenshire Centre has looked after more than 500.

“We’re struggling to keep up with the demand for blankets at the moment,” said Lanarkshire centre manager, Gillian Boyle. “Normally we have lots of donations of second-hand blankets, towels and sheets coming in but because our centre is closed to the public due to the coronavirus crisis we’ve been unable to accept these like we normally would."

She added that the charity was only able to access brand new items due to the potential risk of contamination form items that are used.

“We ask that people do not donate duvets or pillows as we find our animals can easily tear these apart. We’re also in need of cleaning cloths for our cattery as we use around 30 of these a day and cat litter as we’re down to our last five bags."

Donations can be sent via Amazon Wishlist to Lanarkshire at https://amzn.to/30I4baX and Aberdeenshire at https://amzn.to/2XVL9Mt

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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.