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Dr Peter Rossdale dies aged 94
Dr Peter Rossdale.

"Peter was the catalyst for the fabulous practice that has influenced so many people" - Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons.

Renowned veterinary surgeon Dr Peter Rossdale has died following a short illness, it has been confirmed.

The 94-year-old, who was the founder of Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, passed away on 26th November 2021, according to an announcement on Rossdales’ website.

The announcement reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce that our Founder, Dr Peter Rossdale, passed away on 26th November 2021, at the age of 94 years, following a short illness. 

“Described by Rossdales' former senior partner Professor Sidney Ricketts as 'the 'giant', whose shoulders we 'stood on', Peter was the catalyst for the fabulous practice that has influenced so many people.

"We all thank Peter for our opportunities, and we are very grateful to him for his foresight, direction and kindness. We are very sorry to lose him.

A graduate of the RVC, Dr Rossdale entered general practice in Rye, and subsequently spent several years in equine practice, before opening his own practice in Newmarket 1959.
He was later joined by other pioneering veterinary surgeons who together formed the foundations of Rossdale & Partners, which is now world-renowned as Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons.

Dr Rossdale’s extensive career saw him obtain an FRCVS by thesis in 1967 and, in 1985, a PhD from Cambridge University based on published papers in the peer-reviewed literature. He also received Honorary Doctorates from the Universities of Berne, Edinburgh and Sydney and served on the scientific advisory boards of the Wellcome Trust, the Horserace Betting Levy Board and the Animal Health Trust. 

Dr Rossdale was editor of the Equine Veterinary Journal (1980-2010) and editor-in-chief of Equine Veterinary Education (1986-2006). He retired from practice in 2004. 

Image (C) Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

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 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. 

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Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.