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Vets and VNs form choir for sick and injured pets
The Blue Cross choir has been entertaining listeners on BBC Radio Humberside and was planning a performance in Cleethorpes.

The Blue Cross ensemble sings to lift spirits on difficult days.

Animal charity Blue Cross has formed a choir to raise money for sick and injured pets this Christmas.

Vets, vet nurses, staff and volunteers of the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Grimsby set up the choir to ease stress and lift spirits on difficult days in the veterinary world.

Not long ago, the team performed on BBC Radio Humberside, and they look forward to singing to more people as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Most recently, the group has been singing together during lunch breaks in preparation for a performance in Cleethorpes to raise funds for animals in need, whose owners may not be able to afford private veterinary care. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions meant the event had to be cancelled, but that hasn’t stifled the group’s enthusiasm.

“We started our Blue Cross choir with staff and volunteers singing along together to lift our spirits on difficult days within the veterinary world and found that we actually really enjoy it,” commented Natalie Everett, deputy nurse manager at Blue Cross in Grimsby. 

“We’ve been practising Christmas Carols, and we thought we would take the plunge and make our first public appearance and raise some vital pounds towards the sick and injured pets we care for and helping their loving owners who would otherwise not be able to afford vet care for their pets.” 

Although the event could not go ahead, pet lovers can still help the animals at Grimsby by donating via the Blue Cross website. The group has also put together a festive veterinary rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas, which you can watch below.

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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.