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PDSA receives prestigious RCVS Knowledge award
The PDSA received the award for the introduction of a national pain relief protocol.
Quality Improvement award honours the introduction of a national pain relief protocol.

The RCVS has presented the PDSA with a prestigious award recognising the charity's work to improve the provision of pain management.

The 2020 RCVS Knowledge Award for Quality Improvement as a Champion Practice was presented on Thursday (10 September) at the College's inaugural virtual awards evening.

PDSA received the award for the introduction of a national pain relief protocol, auditing of cruciate surgery outcomes and development of clinical incident reporting. Upon receiving the award, Steve Howard, PDSA’s head of clinical services, said:

“We’re delighted to receive this award and to celebrate the work of our veterinary teams who continually work so hard to achieve excellence. These have been challenging times but our dedicated Pet Hospital teams have been working tirelessly to treat sick and injured pets in need across the UK throughout the pandemic; delivering the best quality care they can in very difficult circumstances.”

He added: “I am immensely proud of them all and pleased to be able to share the uplifting news that PDSA has received this award as a result of their hard work and dedication to delivering a quality service in the past – which they are still doing to this day.”

The PDSA's work showcased improvements in pain relief provision following the introduction of protocols, advancements in case selection and management of post-cruciate surgery patients. It also highlighted the role of auditing clinical incident reports to allow interventions to be targeted where they will be most beneficial.

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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.