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Blue Cross and the Scottish SPCA partner up to help people in crisis
"By collaborating and combining services we can reach many more people in crisis." - Chris Burghes, Blue Cross.

Charities to collaborate in expanding services across UK.

The Blue Cross and the Scottish SPCA have announced plans to work in partnership moving forward in order to provide better support for people and pets in need.

The two charities have launched a joint research study with the University of Edinburgh to identify new methods of reaching pet owners in remote, minority or vulnerable communities.

This research will then inform new strategies that utilise both organisations' unique services and specialist knowledge to help pet owners that are struggling financially or have difficulty accessing animal welfare services such as veterinary care.

Blue Cross CEO, Chris Burghes, said: “By collaborating and combining services we can reach many more people in crisis who, through no fault of their own, need support in ensuring their companions are healthy and happy.

“One long term goal at Blue Cross is to ensure we can help those most in need and as we plan to expand our services across the UK, we very much look forward to working with the Scottish SPCA to help more people in Scotland and their pets.”

One key area where the charities will collaborating is in connecting their fostering networks to enable more pets across borders to benefit from both the organisations’ resources and welfare expertise.

They will also be looking to expand the Blue Cross' behavioural advice service and improve on-site accommodation at the Scottish SPCA for puppies rescued from the illegal puppy trade.

Scottish SPCA chief executive, Kirsteen Campbell said: “There’s so much shared DNA between Blue Cross and the Scottish SPCA and we have a fantastic opportunity here to make best use of our collective expertise, be ambitious and make a difference to the lives of people and their pets across Scotland.”

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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.