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Chief vet reminds rescue charities to follow documentation requirements
"Animals without the correct vaccinations pose a real disease threat" - Christine Middlemiss, CVO.
The reminder comes after dogs were found transported with falsified documentation.

The UK's Chief Veterinary Officer is reminding animal rehoming charities to ensure that rescued animals entering the country have the necessary vaccination paperwork.

The reminder comes after an illegal movement of Ukrainian dogs was discovered by APHA, risking the UK's rabies-free status, after it was discovered that a shipment of 19 animals imported by a rescue charity travelled on falsified rabies documentation.

Local authorities and APHA are now tracing the animals, after they were fostered and rehomed by UK residents, and the animals will be placed in quarantine while a decision is made on the risk level.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's Chief Veterinary Officer, said: “Checks have confirmed that these animals did not receive the necessary blood tests to enter the UK. 

“We are taking quick action to limit the risk of disease spreading by quarantining all animals involved in this case until further notice. We are grateful for the cooperation of the households involved and would encourage the public to contact us with any information they may have.

“Animals without the correct vaccinations pose a real disease threat to both our own beloved animals and to people whilst also impacting the rabies-free status we have held for many years.”

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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.