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Tough questions raised over badger cull
Discussion arose at FUW meeting

The annual meeting of the Farmers Union of Wales Carmarthenshire county branch saw lively debate over the Welsh Government's decision to vaccinate rather than cull badgers.

Members of the Union unanimously believed that, by giving in to the Badger Trust,  the Government had opted for the softer, 'safer' option rather than listening to the scientific reports and results, and asked the panel - which included Llanelli's Labour AM Keith Davies - whether the move was being used more as a "Politician Protection Act."

County executive officer Meinir Bartlett said: "The question certainly created a heated debate with Mr Davies given a rough time."

She added: "It was felt farmers should use the same tactics as the Badger Trust and show photographs of cattle being slaughtered and the dramatic effect it was having on family farms."

Another contentious issue raised at the meeting was the creation next April of a new single body following the merger of Environment Agency Wales, Countryside Council for Wales and Forestry Commission Wales, which also proved a cause for "unanimous concern."


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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.