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World Horse Welfare urges vets to support campaign
Transportation campaign needs signatures

World Horse Welfare (WHW) is urging vets to add their names to an open letter that is being sent to the EU commissioner, to call for an end to long-distance live horse transportation.

Veterinary nurses and students are also encouraged to sign the document.

WHW and its veterinary advisors are acting as part of their campaign against the transportation of 65,000 horses for slaughter in Europe every year. The charity is asking the commissioner to propose an amendment to EU transport rules, in light of evidence it has collected, along with recommendations by the European Food Safety Authority and scientific advisors.

If the campaign is successful, it could see the introduction of a maximum journey time of 12 hours for live horses.



Roly Owers, WHW chief executive, said: "Despite recognising severe welfare problems persist and being presented with clear evidence showing how these horses are suffering, changes to legislation have not been proposed by the commission. I therefore urge my veterinary colleagues to sign the letter requesting that the commission make good on its commitment to policies informed by scientific evidence and introduce a short, maximum journey limit."



Click here to add your name to the letter.

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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.