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Fewer RVNs removed from RCVS register
The RCVS moved to a fully digital renewal system in 2020.

Improvements to annual process have simplified communications.

The number of veterinary nurses being removed from the RCVS Register for non-payment of their annual renewal fee has fallen to its lowest since 2020.

This year, 331 veterinary nurses were removed from the register (1.3 per cent of RVNS) compared to 415 at the beginning of 2024 (1.8 per cent) and 328 (1.49 per cent) in 2023.

It comes after the College moved to an online-only system in 2020, and began emailing veterinary nurses about the process, instead of sending them letters and renewal forms by post.

RCVS head of registration Nicola South said: “We are glad to see only a very small proportion of veterinary nurses were removed from the Register this year and this is largely down to improved and simplified communications, including the use of text message reminders which can be more effective in terms of ensuring renewal completion and providing answers to frequently asked registration questions on our website.

“For the past few years, we have also improved our annual renewal process by working with some of the larger veterinary employers to ensure that all their employees’ details are recorded centrally which makes the process of renewing their registration in bulk much easier. Making every employee aware that their employer will be paying the fee, again, makes the process much smoother as fewer communications need to be sent.

She added: “Of course, we are never resting on our laurels and will continue to work to improve the annual renewal process for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses so we welcome any constructive feedback about how we can do better.”

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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.