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SARS may have originated in bats, study finds
Chinese horseshoe bats responsible for pandemic, scientists say

New research published in the journal, Nature, has confirmed horseshoe bats in China as the origin of the SARS-CoV pandemic in 2002-3.

During the pandemic, 774 of the 8094 people around the world who became infected were killed by the virus.

While researchers have previously shown that bats are natural reservoirs for SARS-like coronaviruses (CoV), they have never before been confirmed as the virus' origin.

A research team led by Professor Shi Zhengli from the Wuham Institute of Virology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, isolated a SARS-like CoV from the faecal samples of Chinese horseshoe bats.

According to scientists, these bats have an important ecological role and are found around the globe.

Researchers say their findings will help governments design more effective prevention strategies for SARS and similar epidemics.

In addition, insights into the role of horseshoe bats in transmitting SARS-CoV highlight the importance of protecting this species natural environment, ensuring that they are not forced into highly populated urban areas for food.

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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. 

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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.