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Elanco closes Bayer Animal Health deal
"Increased time at home has changed the long-term relationship between pets and their owners" - Elanco.
Acquisition triples Elanco's international pet health business.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has completed the acquisition of Bayer Animal Health in a deal worth $6.89 billion.

The transaction elevates Elanco’s pet business to approximately 50 per cent of revenues and almost triples the company’s international pet health business. It also broadens Elanco’s pet parasiticide portfolio with topical treatments and collars.

Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco commented: “Nearly two years into our journey as an independent company, we have made significant progress in creating a purpose-driven, independent global company dedicated to animal health – all while weathering the century’s most significant animal and human health pandemics: African Swine Fever and COVID-19."

He added: “Food supply disruptions and increasing unemployment are driving food security challenges around the world. At the same time, research shows increased time at home has changed the long-term relationship between pets and their owners, as pets increasingly provide valuable emotional support. We know making life better for animals, simply makes life better.”

The deal brings together complementary farm animal portfolios that position Elanco to serve an even broader spectrum of the industry. It also adds several anchor cattle brands, enhances the company’s global bio-protection portfolio, and expands the company’s aqua presence into warm water fish.

Mr Simmons continued: “Most importantly, today is about the farmers, veterinarians, and pet owners we serve. If COVID-19 has made anything clear – it’s that the world has never needed animals and the work farmers and veterinarians do more.

“Together, we are better positioned to advocate for our customers, to deliver solutions to their greatest unmet needs, so they can keep healthy, sustainably sourced meat, milk, fish and eggs in the centre of the dinner table and healthy, active pets in the centre of families. Together, we have the potential to improve animal health and the lives of billions.”

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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. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.