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Horse owners urged to sign up for Colic Awareness Week
This year's Colic Awareness Week campaign is asking owners to 'React Now to Beat Colic'.

Organisations offer free emergency plan and daily webinars

The British Horse Society (BHS) and The University of Nottingham are asking all horse owners to make a pledge during Colic Awareness Week 2020, which runs from 5-11 October.

This year the BHS and The University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science are providing free daily 10-minute webinars, focusing on various colic-related subjects. They will also be sharing advice and guidance on social media, using the hashtag #ColicAwarenessWeek.

Additionally, horse owners can sign up to receive a free equine care and emergency plan, to help them recognise warning signs early on and understand what to do in an emergency before the situation arises.

Veterinary practices that are a part of the ‘Vet REACT Colic Champions scheme’ will also be sharing information with clients across the week - both in practice and on social media - to help raise awareness.

Dr Katie Lightfoot, teaching associate in equine welfare at The University of Nottingham’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with The British Horse Society to improve the health and welfare of the horse.

“The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science have continued our research into colic and emergency planning which underpins this educational campaign. Colic awareness week gives us a fantastic opportunity to share the evidence-based information as widely as possible within the horse community.”

To view the previous webinars and watch the remainder that will be hosted this week, please visit the BHS’ Facebook page.

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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.