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Make evidence-based nursing part of everyday life
When we read articles, we need to be reassured of their quality and the integrity of their content.
Evidence-based nursing is within the grasp of every veterinary nurse

"We should focus on becoming nurses who question practice rather than just doing it," said Sue Badger speaking on the subject of evidence-based veterinary nursing at the Equine Session at BVNA Congress in Telford.

"Our aim should be to base our everyday decisions on the explicit and judicious use of current evidence, in combination with the best available experiential evidence, to support the best care of our patients," she suggested.

Some of the evidence will be based on tradition, some on our experience and some on published research. This alone is not enough, however, because we need to challenge the status quo and to reflect on what we do – to be analytical and, if necessary, modify our approach.

It is important not to keep our findings and analysis to ourselves; because evidence-based nursing relies to a great extent on sharing the information that we have discovered or accumulated during everyday practice.

When we read articles, we need to be reassured of their quality and the integrity of their content. This is best achieved by reading peer-reviewed journals and accessing accredited websites and library facilities on the internet. In this latter respect, Sue recommended the RCVS Knowledge site as an excellent point from which to begin, https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/home

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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.