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Sheep health specialist named Farm Educator of the Year
Emily Gascoigne has been named Ceva Farm Educator of the Year.
Emily Gascoigne recognised for her work in animal welfare education.

Sheep health and production specialist Emily Gascoigne has been named Farm Educator of the Year in the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards.

The Ceva Awards honour remarkable individuals who devote their lives to improving animal health and welfare. Specifically, the Farm Educator of the Year Award recognises research and education on the benefits of improving farm animal welfare. 

Emily, a practitioner at Synergy Farm Health, has dedicated much of her working life to education and research by getting involved in clinical research in practice, training farmers and leading student teaching. She also regularly contributes to the farming and veterinary press and plays an active role in several veterinary associations. 

Commenting on the award, Emily said: “I’m delighted to be named Farm Educator of the Year. Training is a huge part of my role that I really enjoy, and it’s wonderful to gain this award to celebrate that.

“In the farm animal context, investing in people and constantly upskilling people is the real way we have a positive impact on animal welfare. In my work as a sheep vet, I’m passionate about communicating how animal welfare, productivity and profitability are intimately linked.”

She added: “Essentially, by making a healthier and happier flock, you’ll end up with a healthier sheep business and probably a happier farmer as well.”

Synergy Farm Health is a member of the XLVets community of independent practices that collaborate to share their skills, experience and knowledge.

Alice Renner, farm marketing executive of XLVets, commented: “Emily’s done so much in terms of farm animal welfare education, and it’s fantastic to hear she’s received this award.

“Emily and her colleagues at Synergy show a great commitment to education and training. Their proactive and forward-thinking approach is something we really value in the XLVets community, and we’re delighted to see Emily’s hard work being celebrated.” 

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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.