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Dr Colin Whiting resigns from RCVS Council
Dr Colin Whiting.
Decision follows Council’s approval of a ‘How we work’ statement.

Dr Colin Whiting has announced that he is to resign from RCVS Council with immediate effect, stating that he “cannot accept” a requirement to support externally all decisions taken by Council members.

Dr Whiting was elected to RCVS Council in 2021 and served on the College's Education Committee, PIC/DC Liaison Committee and the Advancement of the Professions Committee as Council Deputy Lead for the ViVet innovation programme.

He said: “My decision follows Council’s approval of a ‘How we work’ statement at its June meeting, which includes a requirement for Council members to support externally all decisions taken by Council, which I cannot accept.
 
“Nevertheless, may I wish the ongoing leadership team, my colleagues on Council, and all the staff at RCVS the very best for the future. It has been my privilege to meet many passionate, determined and very hardworking colleagues during my short time on Council, who are seeking to progress and support our profession very admirably indeed.”

Under the rules set out in the RCVS Election Scheme, the newly vacant position on Council has since been offered to the candidate who received the next highest number of votes during the same election in 2021.
 
Veterinary surgeon Will Wilkinson has formally accepted this offer and will sit on Council for the remainder of the four-year term, until July 2025, and be eligible to stand for re-election thereafter.

RCVS President Dr Kate Richards said: “We were sorry to learn that Colin has decided to step down from Council, but understand that this was his personal decision and one that he has considered carefully and taken time to make."

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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.