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RSPCA Launches Animal Welfare Hotline
Farmers struggling in the cold weather can now get help from the RSPCA.
The RSPCA and National Farmers Union (NFU) are working together to help farmers and animals struggling in the cold weather.

The RSPCA is launching a new Farm Animal Welfare Hotline. All calls will be handled by the Society’s National Control Centre and if necessary, passed onto frontline RSPCA staff to access what help is needed.

Tim Wass, chief officer of the RSPCA inspectorate, said: “The extreme cold and bad weather conditions could have a massive impact on farm animals. We are committed to doing everything we can to assist them, and hope this hotline will be a real help for farmers who find themselves in difficulties.”

NFU livestock board chairman Alistair Mackintosh said: “While farmers are very resilient and are used to coping with extreme weather conditions the current bad weather has left some facing difficult situations. The welfare of their livestock is of paramount importance to farmers and, while, they are working hard to carry on as normal, anything that gives them an additional helping hand in these extreme conditions is welcome.”

Farmers and livestock owners with severe animal welfare problems can now call the RSPCA Farm Animal Welfare Hotline on 0300 1238424.

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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.