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Afghanistan Protects Threatened Species
A tree was amongst the 15 species added to the Protected Species List.
Afghanistan’s National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA) has announced that it would strengthen its Protected Species List by adding an additional 15 species.

This list includes the elusive large-billed reed warbler only recently discovered in Afghanistan by researchers working for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) on a USAID-funded project. There are now a total of 48 protected species in Afghanistan.   

NEPA, in cooperation with WCS, took immediate steps to protect the large-billed reed warbler, cited by BirdLife International as the world’s least known bird species, because by law, newly discovered species receive automatic legal protection in Afghanistan. Such protection is crucial since Afghanistan may constitute one of the only known principal breeding habitats for this rare species which, previous to 2006, had only been known from two specimens: one collected in India in 1867 followed by the discovery of a single bird in Thailand in 2006.

In addition to the large-billed reed warbler, Afghanistan listed 14 other species (seven mammals, six birds, and one tree) including two eagle species, a cat species, and the striped hyena.

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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.