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Boosting knowledge of medicine use in food production
Image sheep
A film aimed at the food industry helps to raise awareness of the concerns consumers have.
New films by NOAH aim to remove consumer misconceptions

The food industry and consumers can learn more about issues surrounding the use of animal medicines with the release of two new films by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).

Both films have been produced following a NOAH survey, which drew attention to gaps in consumers' knowledge of the ways in which medicines are used in farm production.

While the public was generally supportive of animal medicine use in farming, NOAH chief executive Phil Sketchley said the survey highlighted some misconceptions.

"It was interesting to discover how much people knew about medicines in food production," he said. "There were some very positive attitudes among consumers, particularly towards the way British farmers care for their animals.

"But there were still some areas of concern, for example with the belief among a large number of people that growth hormones were still being used on UK farms, despite the fact they have been banned since 1988."

A new film, titled "Animal Medicines in Food Production - Challenging the Myths", aims to redress some of the misconceptions held by consumers.

Another film has been produced to help the food industry to understand the concerns consumers have regarding medicine use.

Mr Sketchley said: "The industry film should help people involved in food production understand what consumers are thinking when it comes to animal medicines.

"Animal health and welfare and ensuring sick animals are treated is a big issue, and food producers and retailers need to be able to communicate clearly with consumers on the subject of animal medicines."

Visit Youtube to watch the industry and consumer films.

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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 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.