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Chair in Sustainable Livestock Health and Welfare appointed at Harper and Keele Vet School
Dr Jonathan Statham (pictured) is chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group and CEO of Raft Solutions Ltd.

Dr Jonathan Statham will bring expertise to UK's newest vet school

Harper and Keele Veterinary School has announced the appointment of Dr Jonathan Statham MRCVS as Professor of Sustainable Livestock Health and Welfare.

Dr Statham is an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health and Production, as well as chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group and CEO of Raft Solutions Ltd, an innovative veterinary research & consultancy company.

He is currently a member of the Animal Health & Welfare Board of England (AHWBE) and was previously president of the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA).

Recently, Dr Statham gave a presentation at the United Nations Climate Change COP25 Conference in Madrid. He also gave an invited lecture tour in North America, presenting the work of both RAFT and it's collaborating partners.

Dr Statham will work with Harper and Keele to integrate sustainability into the teaching of production animal studies across the school's five-year programme. He will also be bringing his clinical and industry expertise to current and future research at both Harper Adams and Keele universities.

Commenting on his appointment as chair, Dr Statham said: “Sustainable livestock health and welfare is of critical importance as we strive to understand and manage the challenges presented by food security alongside mitigating the impacts on our environment.

“Veterinary surgeons working in effective partnership with our farming clients offer a vital role in managing this fundamental balance.

“Scientific evidence is essential in finding an effectively sustainable way forward and equipping the veterinary surgeons and farmers of the future with this evidence base and skills starting from their very first days at Harper-Keele is an enormous opportunity.”

Image (c) Harper and Keele Veterinary School.

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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.