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Vet nurse makes history by joining SPVS board
"Julie Eastham stood out as someone who could bring a wider variety of skills to SPVS." - Pete Orpin
Julie Eastham is the first vet nurse to become an SPVS board member.

Julie Eastham has made history by becoming the first veterinary nurse to join the board of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS). As a board member, Ms Eastham is looking forward to highlighting the good work that the organisation does for the veterinary profession.

Ms Eastham is a veterinary nurse and practice manager at the Cambridgeshire veterinary practice where she has worked for 18 years. She first became aware of SPVS after attending its congress. She said: “From talking to nurses and front of house teams, they have either never heard of SPVS or think SPVS is a society just for vets. 

“However, as a veterinary nurse I feel I can benefit SPVS as I straddle two parts of the veterinary business. 

“I am able to see the practice as a whole, working to ensure we have a high standard, quality business but I’m also able to see how business decisions affect my fellow nurses.”

SPVS is a not-for-profit organisation that provides advice, support and guidance for veterinary professionals.

Pete Orpin, SPVS board chair said: “In 2023, we had a strong group of new board members. Julie Eastham stood out as someone who could bring a wider variety of skills to SPVS. 

“The combination of nursing and managerial experience is highly valuable and we look forward to working with Julie during her time on the board.”

Image (C) SPVS

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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.