Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New chair of RVC College appointed
“I am honoured to take on the role as chair of the RVC Council next year” – Lord Kakkar.
Lord Kakkar will take on the role in 2025.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has appointed Lord Kakkar as the new chair of RVC Council.

He will succeed Baroness Young of Old Scone next year in leading the RVC’s governing body. The Council focuses on the veterinary school’s strategy and compliance requirements, risk and accountability.

A surgeon, academic, and cross-bench peer, Lord Kakkar currently holds several prominent roles, including emeritus professor of surgery at University College London, chair of King's Health Partners, chancellor of the University of Lincoln, and director of the Thrombosis Research Institute.

He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2022 for his contributions to healthcare and public service. Earlier this year, he was appointed Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of The Garter.

Lord Kakkar said: “I am honoured to take on the role as chair of the RVC Council next year. The RVC is a truly outstanding institution, and it will be a privilege to meet and work alongside such a talented and dedicated team of staff and students.”

Stuart Reid, principal of the RVC, added: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lord Kakkar and look forward to welcoming him to Council next year. Lord Kakkar’s experience is extensive and is matched by his passion for advancing knowledge through world-class research, providing high quality and groundbreaking clinical services and educating the future generations of vets, scientists and researchers.

“Lord Kakkar joins us at an exciting time for the institution and I know we will benefit from his exceptional knowledge and experience. He takes over from Baroness Young who has led Council with dedication and commitment over the last five years for which we extend a heartfelt thank you.”

Image © Royal Veterinary College

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.