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Schmallenberg vaccine approved
UK farmers first to gain access to vaccine

 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced that UK farmers will be the first in the EU to gain access to a vaccine against schmallenberg (SBV) virus.

Pharmaceutical company MSD Animal Health has been issued a licence to provide the vaccine known as "Bovilis SBV".

When Bovilis SBV becomes available this summer, cattle and sheep will be able to have the vaccination before they become pregnant, protecting the foetus from damage caused by SBV.

News of the vaccine has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA). President Peter Jones, said: "Given the serious worry that this new disease has caused and the significant losses that individual farmers have faced, the news that a vaccine is now available should be warmly welcomed.
 
"Farmers can now plan with good veterinary advice how, where and when to use the vaccine to protect their animals and their offspring."

News of the vaccine was reported in the media in February, when the VMD confirmed that MSD had applied for provisional marketing authorisation at the end of August 2012.

The VMD is usually unable to comment on applications it has received but the exception was made due to the high levels of industry and media interest in a possible vaccine.

Bovilis SBV will be available across the UK from summer 2013.

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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.