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Sustainable livestock farming report criticised
Friends of the Earth allege 'significant opportunities missed'

A report entitled 'Progress towards a sustainable future for livestock farming' recently published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has drawn criticism from the Friends of the Earth (FoE), who have argued that 'far more must be done to enable UK farmers to switch to planet-friendly farming methods'.

In a statement responding to the report, FoE's Senior Farming Campaigner Clare Oxborrow argued that 'Reforming European farming policy is essential for the environment and global food security...We can't allow our food system to cost the earth - the Government must do better.' The FoE's 'Sustainable Livestock Bill and Symposium: one year progress report' also argued that 'progress has been inadequate and significant opportunities missed over the past year to encourage and promote more sustainable livestock production and consumption.'

The report was contributed towards by a group of farming organisations including the British Poultry Council, Eblex and BPEX. A PDF version can be found here.

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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.