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

RCVS launches new programme of ‘campfire chats’ on issues affecting vets
The first session exploring online veterinary communities and ways to tackle isolation will take place on Wednesday 26 February.

Informal conversations encourage vets to share advice and experiences.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is launching a series of 'campfire chats', focussing on some of the key issues affecting veterinary surgeons, nurses and other team members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free programme begins on Wednesday 26 February from 7.00pm – 8.00pm. This first session will explore online veterinary communities and how to combat isolation, hosted by Simply Locums founder Ben Sweeney, VN Council member and blogger Jane Davidson, and founder of the Vets: Stay, Go, Diversify Facebook community Ebony Escalona.

RCVS director of advancement of the professions Angharad Belcher said: “No one in the professions need to be told that the last year or so has been extraordinarily tough, but what has got many of us through is a sense of shared experience and solidarity whether that’s with family, friends, colleagues or the wider community.

“These campfire chats aim to draw on the importance of connectedness by bringing together members of the veterinary community to share their thoughts, experiences and solutions in an informal and friendly online setting.

“Though we have panels hosting every session, these events are not formal talks or lectures and are very much about audience participation and feedback. We hope many of you can join us to talk about the struggles, challenges and occasional hilarities of veterinary life in the time of coronavirus and, in doing so, improve your own wellbeing.”

Following the initial event on Wednesday 26 February, the next planned sessions are:

  • Thursday 29 April, 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Chronic health conditions and COVID-19
  • Wednesday 26 May – 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Supporting students and new grads
  • Thursday 24 June – 7.00pm – 8.00pm – Leadership
  • date tbc - Pandemic parenting.

To sign up for any of the events please click here.

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

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 members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.