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Survey seeks to better understand Equine Cushing's Disease
PPID is linked to weight loss, delayed coat shedding and a long curly coat.
Findings may provide insight into how owners make treatment decisions. 

Owners of older horses and ponies aged 15 years and over are being invited to share their views on pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) in a new survey.

Also known as equine Cushing's disease, PPID is commonly found in older horses and ponies and is associated with laminitis, weight loss, delayed coat shedding and a long, curly coat.

The survey forms part of an international project to improve understanding of the causes of PPID and to improve early diagnosis, treatment, husbandry and nutritional management.

The findings will help researchers better understand how owners make treatment decisions and which decisions have the best outcomes. Scientists hope the findings may also provide an insight into how owners comply with administering medication and their capacity to feed PPID horses separately.

The survey is being conducted by the University of Melbourne - supported by the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group and SPILLERS - in collaboration with the Queensland University of Technology, The RVC, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica and The Liphook Equine Hospital.

SPILLERS research and development director Clare Barfoot said: “The survey will provide valuable information to help improve the healthcare and management of PPID horses. It will also give us a clearer insight into current levels of knowledge amongst horse owners and how best to provide practical, targeted information on PPID.”

To complete the survey, click here.

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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.