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Derbyshire practice launches first Reptile Education Week
The first Reptile Education Week is taking place 9-15 August.
Campaign aims to improve understanding of reptiles' basic needs. 

The first Reptile Education Week is taking place this August to improve understanding about looking after exotic pets - and veterinary practices are being invited to get involved.

Launched by Ellie and Lucy of Bright Side Vets in Derbyshire, Reptile Education Week (9-15 August) aims to support owners and practices when caring for exotic pets - from providing the correct housing to looking after their basic needs.

As reptile owners themselves, Ellie and Lucy were inspired by the number of cases they had seen in practice that required a lot of care when the correct guidance from the outset could have saved lives. 

Lucy, a veterinary surgeon at Bright Side Vets, said: “It is heartbreaking to see reptiles in practice that are in a bad way because of a poor understanding of their needs. Often simple things can be done to support these creatures and give them a fulfilled and healthy life”.

Throughout Reptile Education Week, Bright Side Vets will be sharing information on its social media channels about maintaining the health and welfare of some of the most commonly-owned reptile species in the UK - including leopard geckos, corn snakes, Horsfield tortoises, bearded dragons and royal pythons.

Practices wishing to get involved can download a free information pack from Bright Side Vets’ website, containing care sheets, suggested posts, and other materials to share with the practice team or clients. 

Ellie, a receptionist and marketing assistant at Bright Side Vets, said: “We have had nearly 300 practices say that want to get involved in sharing information with their clients. Over the past two months, we have been creating content that we hope other vets and reptile enthusiasts might find useful in sharing.

“We have created our own identity for Reptile Education Week, so others don’t feel they need to use the Bright Side Vets branding. Fingers crossed this is the start of something people will get engaged with year on year”. 

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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
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.