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Update on Bluetongue vaccination
Regulation change for Bluetongue-free areas

Bluetongue laws have changed for England and Scotland, and are set to change for Wales, to allow the use of approved inactivated vaccines in Bluetongue-free areas, on the basis of Veterinary Risk Assessments.

In England, the Bluetongue (Amendment) Regulations 2012 came into effect last month (24 August) to permit the use of inactivated Bluetongue vaccines in Bluetongue-free areas. A General Licence has been issued to protect against Bluetongue serotypes 1, 2, 4 and 8.

Scotland's Bluetongue (Scotland) Order 2012 came into effect at the same time as England and permits inactivated Bluetongue vaccinations against all serotypes within Bluetongue-free areas.

Next week (10 October), the Bluetongue (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 will come into effect, permitting the use of inactivated Bluetongue vaccinations in Bluetongue-free areas against all serotypes.

The use of voluntary vaccination against Bluetongue remain illegal in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Regulations for live attenuated vaccines remain unaltered, and must not be used due to the risk of reversion to virulence and subsequent disease spread. Live attenuated vaccines do not have marketing authorisations for use in the UK.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.