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Pig Finisher Challenge 2012 opens
BPEX hopes to spur production improvements.

Pig finishing units have been challenged to see how far they can improve production by October this year. The 2TS Finisher Challenge starts now – producers just need to contact BPEX to say they are ready to go for it.

The BPEX Knowledge Transfer (KT) team have announced that they will help producers identify areas of ‘lost potential’ and find ways to fine tune their system. The type of finishing system or what the starting point is does not matter – the challenge is open to all finishing and contract finishing pig units in England.

BPEX KT manager Lisbeth Ravn says: “The goal is to improve performance in the growing pig herd to help the industry reach the two-tonne sow target and increase profitability. We know that, with an improved focus and often small management changes, a big difference in production can be made. We’ll be providing support throughout the challenge, particularly with performance data records and how to make best use of them. We’d like pig finishers to get in touch as quickly as possible – we’re excited to see what can be achieved by October 2012!”

There will also be prizes for ‘most improved production’.

For more information, click here for details.

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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 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.