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Vet practice sustainability micro-course launched
“Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges” – Helen Ballantyne.
SRUC will be offering the online course from February.
 
A new micro-course on sustainability in veterinary practice is being launched by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The online distance-learning course, which will be available from February, will explore what practices can do to meet the new sustainability standards introduced by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The course will take a One Health approach to the issue and provide concrete examples of how practices can make large and small changes to become more sustainable. It will look at topics including using fewer single-use items, switching to renewable energy supplies, and using low-flow anaesthesia to reduce leakage of greenhouse gases.

SRUC has said that the course would suit registered veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons, although it can also be completed by other professionals who work in veterinary practices. It takes 12 weeks to complete.

The course was co-created by registered veterinary nurses Helen Ballantyne and Laura Edwards.

Ms Ballantyne said: “Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges.”

“By empowering veterinary professionals with sustainable tools and insights, we aim to create a positive impact that supports animal welfare, community health and ecological balance.”

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
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.