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VMD publishes EU exit advice for vets
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the key areas in which vets will need to do things differently are operating the prescribing cascade and applying for a Special Import Certificate.
Information hub aids preparations for no deal scenario 

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched an information hub to help vets prepare for Brexit, including what will change if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the key areas in which vets will need to do things differently are operating the prescribing cascade and applying for a Special Import Certificate.

From EU Exit Day (29 March 2019), the UK would have to follow World Trade Organisation rules, if a deal is not reached. As a result, we would no longer be able to show preference to EU medicines over those from other countries when prescribing under the cascade.

Whether a deal is reached or not, after Brexit the VMD will no longer issue Special Treatment Certificates. Only Special Import Certificates (SICs) will be available to vets importing medicines for veterinary use.

SICs will be issued for veterinary medicines authorised outside of the UK, human medicines authorised outside the UK, or in very exceptional cases, unauthorised medicines from outside the UK.

For further information and updates on what will and will not change after Brexit, visit the EU Exit Information Hub.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.