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Russia bans EU cattle and pig imports
Fears of Schmallenberg Virus cited

The Russian Federation has announced that it will block the import of live cattle and pigs from European Union states despite attempts by an EU delegation to prevent it. The ban took effect on Tuesday 20th March 2012 and has been described as 'temporary', although a date at which the ban will conclude has not been released.

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance cited concerns over the spread of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) as justification for the ban, along with "the absence of sufficient safety controls... on the part of relevant European Commission services." A statement said that the EU now had to satisfy Russia that its imports of cattle and pigs satisfied safety requirements.

The ban is the latest in a series of trading disputes between Russia and the European Union, and has provoked great concern amongst countries that trade with Russia. Latvia, for example, stands to lose approximately two-thirds of its export revenues and has objected strongly to the ban.

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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.