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New app to support pet health during COVID-19
The Pet Health Pal app is powered by Facebook Messenger and WhatsAPP chatbots.

Digital tool will give owners quick access to valuable advice.

A new app to support the health and wellbeing of pets during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond has been launched by Mars PetCare in collaboration with the Waltham Science Institute.

The free Pet Health Pal app, powered by the Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp chatbot system, is being launched both in the UK and USA. It will answer questions from owners related to pet health and ownership, covering topics such as health, food, exercise and happiness.

The tool is the first of its kind, specifically in today's COVID-19 environment, and forms part of Mars' mission 'to create a better world for pets'. Helen Warren-Piper, general manager of Mars PetCare UK, explains:
“During COVID-19, a number of pet parents have got in touch with questions and concerns about how best to take care of their pets during the pandemic. This is why at Mars Petcare we are launching the “Pet Health Pal” app, giving pet owners in our pet-loving nation easy and quick access to valuable advice and resources provided by experts at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute.

"From pet nutrition to general wellbeing “Pet Health Pal” will help pet parents give their four-legged friends the best possible care.”

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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.