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Votes are in for Britain's first Purr Minister
Kevin
Kevin, Britain's first Purr Minister.

Kevin is Westminster's cat of the year

The search for the top cat of Westminster is now over - after weeks of voting, Britain's first ever Purr Minister has been elected.

MPs and Lords from across the country began nominating their cat companions at the start of the month, with each hopeful submitting a "Manifursto" to the charity's website.

Following a 16-year career in eating and sleeping, Kevin has been crowned Purr Minister, winning 29.8 per cent of the vote.

Far from apathetic about voting, members of the public were impressed by Kevin's strong sense of purr-pose and eye-catching Manifursto.

Lindsey Quinlan, Battersea’s head of cattery, said: "Here at Battersea we know the British public love their cats and we’re so pleased to see that our politicians do too.

"The inaugural competition was certainly memorable and we hope Kevin enjoys his exciting year as our first Purr Minister and we wish him well!"

Kevin's election as Purr Minister coincides with the third anniversary of former Battersea cat Larry being appointed chief mouser at No. 10 Downing Street.

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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.