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Scottish government appoints vet as chief scientific advisor
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick.

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick will remain the scientific director of Moredun Research Group
 
The Scottish government has appointed veterinary surgeon Professor Julie Fitzpatrick as its next chief scientific advisor (CSA).

The CSA provides advice in various policy areas, focusing on strategic and or cross-cutting issues. These are typically in areas not covered by the chief scientist (health) and the CSA for the environment, natural resources and agriculture.

Professor Fitzpatrick, who will take up the post on 14 June, will remain the scientific director of Moredun Research Group and CEO of The Moredon Group - a world-renowned research institute in Midlothian.

Welcoming Professor Fitzpatrick to the role, Shirley-Anne Somerville, cabinet secretary for education and skills, said: “The past year has highlighted just how important science is to the work of the Scottish Government, and I’m delighted to welcome Professor Fitzpatrick as our new Chief Scientific Adviser. 

“As CSA, Professor Fitzpatrick will play a key role in ensuring that science advice informs the Scottish Government’s work across the board, and adds value to our pandemic response.” 

Sir Muir Russell Chairman of Moredun Research Institute said: “Professor Julie Fitzpatrick has provided world-class leadership to the Moredun Research Institute, marked by strong international collaborations and the delivery of diagnostics and vaccines that have made a huge difference to livestock husbandry."

Professor Fitzpatrick holds a chair in food security at the University of Glasgow’s College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences.
 
She qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Glasgow's Vet School, before gaining a PhD in mucosal immunology from the University of Bristol. She also has a Masters degree in Epidemiology through distance-learning from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Image (C) Moredun Reseacrh Institute.

 

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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.