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RCVS suspends Practice Standards Scheme assessments
All Practice Standards Scheme assessments have been suspended until 1 May 2020.

Cancellation part of new social distancing measures

The RCVS has announced that the Practice Standards Scheme, which quality assures practices and their facilities, has suspended all its assessment visits until 1 May 2020.

The decision was made following the UK government advice for everyone to practise social distancing in order to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the UK.

According to the RCVS, veterinary practices with accreditation, re-accreditation and award visits scheduled to take place before 1 May 2020 have already been contacted regarding the cancellations.

Lead Practice Standards Scheme assessor Pam Mosedale said: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but based on the UK Government’s advice and our duty of care to our team of Assessors, as well as team members and clients at veterinary practices, our only option was to postpone and reschedule all visits in the short-term.

“Although we have cancelled all assessments until the end of April, we will be constantly monitoring the situation over the coming weeks, and it is likely that there may be some further postponement of assessments planned for May and beyond.”

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has also confirmed that it has postponed any inspections due in the coming weeks. Please click here.

For further information and advice, please contact the Practice Standards Team at pss@rcvs.org.uk or 02072020767.

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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
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.