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RVC neurology professor appointed QMHA Clinical Director
Dr De Decker will lead one of the world’s largest and most advanced veterinary hospitals.
Dr Steven De Decker will support one of the world’s leading veterinary hospitals.

Dr Steven De Decker has taken up the role of Clinical Director for the Small Animal Referrals Service at the RVC’s Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA).

A Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the RVC, Dr De Decker will lead one of the world’s largest and most advanced veterinary hospitals.

In his new role, he will work closely with QMHA leadership and clinical teams to support the hospital’s continued development and delivery of specialist care.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr De Decker said: “It is an enormous privilege to take up the role of Clinical Director. While the RVC is at the forefront of clinical service and innovation, it is also a warm, welcoming and empathic place. I look forward to contributing to the further development and growth of the QMHA and its community.”

The QMHA is one of the world’s leading veterinary hospitals, featuring advanced diagnostic and surgical technology, the UK’s largest team of board-certified specialists, and Europe’s only recognised Level 1 Trauma Centre.

As a not-for-profit teaching hospital, clinicians have access to the latest clinical data and advanced equipment, with its specialists leading vital research and care in their relevant fields.

Dr De Decker graduated from Ghent University in 2005 and completed a PhD on the diagnosis and treatment of disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (or wobbler syndrome) in dogs.

He became Head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery service at the QMHA in 2016, with research interests focused on spinal cord disorders, neurosurgery and clinical reasoning in dogs and cats.

Outside of his clinical role, Dr De Decker frequently delivers CPD at a national and international level. He is the Past-President of the British Veterinary Neurology Society and the current Chair of the Education Committee of the European College of Veterinary Neurology.

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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.  

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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.