Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Theme announced for RAW 2022
Almost half of UK rabbits live alone.
‘Room for Rabbits’ will focus on improving rabbits’ housing.

The Rabbit Awareness Awareness Group (RAAG) has announced the theme of this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW). 

This year’s theme, ‘Room for Rabbits’, will focus on environment, following research that 38 per cent of veterinary surgeons believe that rabbits’ environment is the most neglected welfare need. 

RAW, which takes place from 27 June 2022, will provide veterinary professionals and pet owners with resources including vet blogs and videos on adapting rabbits’ housing for all seasons, boredom buster ideas, downloadable packs for practices to create their own RAW campaigns, and a competition to encourage rabbit owners to create a ‘gold standard’ environment. 

Holly Castle, senior brand manager at Burgess Pet Care, who organises RAW, said: “We are delighted that RAW continues to have a positive impact, with our survey showing that 90 per cent of vets believe that the welfare of the UK’s rabbits is improving - but there is always more we can do.

“Since the previous RAW campaign, we have successfully launched RAAG, which recognises that the welfare of these wonderful creatures needs to be high on the agenda year-round. 

“By bringing together the expertise of the RAW partners, RAAG is focused on encouraging everyone involved with rabbits to support the first Good Practice Code for rabbits’ welfare in England to ensure it becomes enshrined in law.

“The veterinary community plays a hugely important role in ensuring that owners have access to the right information, and we are urging practices to throw their support behind this year’s RAW to ensure that we reach as many owners as possible.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.