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Massive donation to GALVmed
Bill Gates donates to livestock medicine charity

Founder of Microsoft and pioneer of the personal computer Bill Gates has made a massive donation to an Edinburgh-based livestock medicine charity. The Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) is to receive a donation of £31.2 million ($50 million US) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and further funding from the British Government's Department for International Development (DFID).

The existence of the donation was announced by Mr Gates at the 35th session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)'s Governing Council, held on February 23rd 2012 in Rome.
Welcoming the announcement, Interim Chief Executive of GALVmed

Professor Peter Wells said “Across the developing world, livestock are an essential means of funding the most basic needs including food, education and healthcare. We are working to protect livestock and save human lives and livelihoods by making livestock vaccines, diagnostics and medicines accessible and affordable to the millions in developing countries for whom livestock is a lifeline. This announcement today will take us much further in achieving our goal.”

More information about GALVmed and their activities is available at their website.

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

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.