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Diagnostics firm reports no COVID-19 cases in pets
The results align with current understanding that COVID-19 is primarily spread from human-to-human.
Study supports recommendation against testing pets for the virus

Veterinary diagnostics company IDEXX Laboratories has announced that it has seen no positive results in pets to date of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The firm tested thousands of samples from cats and dogs during validation of a new veterinary test for the COVID-19 virus. The samples used for testing and validation were obtained from samples submitted to the IDEXX Laboratories for PCR testing.

Researchers say that their results align with current understanding that COVID-19 is primarily spread from human-to-human, and support the recommendation against testing pets for the COVID-19 virus.

Jay Mazelsky, president and chief executive officer of IDEXX Laboratories, said: “Should leading health authorities determine it is clinically relevant to test pets for the COVID-19 virus, IDEXX will be ready to make the IDEXX SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) RealPCR™ Test available.

“Pets are important members of our family, and we want to keep them healthy and safe. We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and pet health across our global IDEXX Reference Laboratories network as this situation evolves.”

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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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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.