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Survey seeks views on protecting the VN title
The BVNA is asking for feedback on how professionals feel about protecting the 'veterinary nurse' title in law.
The title 'veterinary nurse' is currently not protected in law.

The veterinary profession is being invited to have its say on protecting the VN title in a survey launching on Monday (26 September).

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) is asking for feedback on how 
professionals feel about the issue, plus how it may or may not affect them, their patients, and the public. 

Currently, the VN title is not protected by law, meaning that anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse, regardless of any training or experience. 

The RCVS Council recommended to the government (DEFRA) that the title "veterinary nurse" be protected as part of broader legislative changes to the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act. The BVNA and BVA have also long campaigned for this protection. 

In 2015, an RCVS-led petition to see if the issue could be considered for a debate in parliament garnered some 36,000 signatures. However, this was not enough for a government petition at that time. 

The RCVS continues to support the title's protection and has included it in its recommendations for future legislation.

The survey will be available on the BVNA website between Monday 26th September and Wednesday 30th November. The association said that it will also be surveying the public. 

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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.