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King Charles named patron for several vet groups
King Charles will promote and recognise the work of many charities and organisations.
RCVS, BVA and RSPCA have each announced the monarch as a patron.

King Charles III has chosen to continue his patronage of several veterinary and animal welfare organisations, continuing a legacy from Queen Elizabeth II.

Groups including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have welcomed the King’s continued support of their work.

News of King Charles’ royal patronages was confirmed by Buckingham Palace earlier this month, revealing that he would be taking on many roles previously held by the late Queen Elizabeth II. As a patron, King Charles will promote and recognise the work of many charities and organisations.

Sue Paterson, president of RCVS, said: “We are delighted that His Majesty the King is our new Royal Patron, continuing his mother’s support for the veterinary professions.

“We know that His Majesty is a keen advocate for animal health and welfare, the environment and biodiversity, and so his interests align very much with ours in areas such as sustainability, tackling antimicrobial resistance, and in supporting veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to best meet their professional standards.”

BVA president Anna Judson also welcomed the royal support, which continues a decades-long patronage.

Dr Judson said: “This ongoing royal commitment recognises the vital contribution vets make to animal welfare and their critical role in society, from taking care of the nation’s pets through to ensuring animal welfare in food production, public health and international trade.

“On behalf of our members, we’d like to thank His Majesty for his commitment to BVA, our profession and the work we do.”

King Charles has further extended his support to RSPCA. The animal welfare charity has a 180-year-long connection with the Royal Family, first granted by Queen Victoria in 1840.

His patronage follows that of Queen Elizabeth II, who held her patronage for 70 years.

Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said: “His Majesty’s powerful voice for nature and regenerative farming will be vital in raising the profile of animal welfare and inspire more people than ever to create a better world for every animal.

“As we celebrate our 200th anniversary this year, we look forward to continuing our close and enduring association with the monarch and the Royal Family; steadfast in our belief that the UK is, and always will be, a nation of animal lovers, and optimistic at what we can achieve together for animal welfare.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.