The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) is introducing remote assessments for RCVS-accredited practices so that it can continue to ensure standards are being met, while protecting public health during the coronavirus pandemic. The Practice Standards Group, the governing group for the PSS that comprises representatives from all of the major veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations in the UK, approved plans for remote assessments last week, which were

On 16 September 2020, Dutch public health authorities reported the first animal, a warbler, that has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Netherlands (Utrecht region). Warblers are migratory birds, but because this warbler was tested positive in late summer, it is very likely that it contracted WNV in the Netherlands. The same bird was also caught in the spring and had tested negative. Defra has said that it will review its risk assessments, but that this finding does mean that WNV

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF BRITISH HORSERACING'S TRIPARTITE LEADERSHIP BODIES The delay to the public’s return to sporting events is a serious blow to the horseracing industry and to the people and communities who depend upon it for their living. Our sport has worked hard with public health officials to return safely and carry out pilot events. The exemplary response from the spectators in following the measures we put in place has shown that organised events can be run safely. We look forward to a ful