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Misleading pork adverts banned

Red Tractor advertisements have received 207 complaints

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have banned pork advertisements under the Assured Food Standards (AFS) Red Tractor scheme.

The advertisements marketed high welfare pork, causing 207 complaints, including one from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF).

Red Tractor are known to keep some pigs in crowded barren pens and on slatted floors without straw - conditions many disagree is high welfare. Though Red Tractor pork significantly exceeds EU guidelines for accommodation standards, and use this as the basis for their high welfare claims, the ASA have deemed their advertising misleading.

According to CIWF, 80 percent of British pigs are estimated to be reared within the Red Tractor scheme, whose advertisements are no longer to appear in their current form.

Joyce D'Silva of CIWF said: 'This is a victory for consumers, who deserve to be able to choose higher welfare meat without being misled. This is also a victory for those pig farmers in the UK who adhere to higher welfare standards like the Soil Association's Organic Standard or the RSPCA's Freedom Food.'

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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.