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Free resource packs to support guinea pig welfare
"Guinea pigs are often seen as simple starter pets, but they have very specific needs" - Dr Suzanne Moyes.

The resources have been launched to mark Guinea Pig Awareness Week.

With Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) fast approaching (October 20-24), a pack of free, downloadable resources has been made available to help owners provide the best care for their pets. 

It is the fifth year that GPAW has taken place, and this time will focus on the importance of reducing stress for guinea pig wellbeing under the theme ‘Comfort, Care, Companionship’.

The packs are available for vets, rescues, and retailers, and have been updated in response to feedback from caregivers. The practical, family-friendly content includes:

    •    colourful posters to display at home
    •    step-by-step guides on stress, care, and companionship
    •    myth-busting facts to challenge common misconceptions
    •    fun activity sheets for children
    •    shareable social media posts to spread awareness. 

The pack also includes a practice newspaper, the GPAW Gazette, containing expert tips, advice, and enrichment ideas.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: “Guinea pigs are often seen as simple starter pets, but they have very specific needs. This Guinea Pig Awareness Week, we want to challenge those misconceptions and highlight what proper care looks like.”
 
Peter Lancaster, head of marketing at Burgess Pet Care, added: “Each year, we’re impressed by the reach and impact of Guinea Pig Awareness Week, and this year introducing our most comprehensive set of resources yet.
 
“From child-friendly activity sheets to the Gazette, we’re supporting guinea pig owners across the UK in providing the highest standard of care for their pets.”

GPAW is supported by the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Woodgreen, Raystede, and Guinea Pig Welfare UK. 

Image (C) Shutterstock.com/Rita_Kochmarjova

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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.