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New York considers end to ferret ban
ferret
Ferret keeping was banned in 1999.
Long-standing ban on ferret ownership may be overturned

New York health officials are considering a repeal of the city's ferret keeping ban, the New York Times reports.

In 1999, former New York mayor Rudolph Guiliani made it illegal to own ferrets, due to fears over rabies and attacks on young children. However, the move has prompted controversy among many.

According to the New York Times, current mayor Bill de Blasio is aiming to legalise ferret ownership once again.

In an internal paper reviewed by the paper, New York health officials weigh the pros and cons of allowing ferrets to be kept as pets.

On the pro side, officials said evidence shows ferrets do not bite more often or more severely than other pets of the same size. However, young children may be vulnerable to ferret bites, the internal paper says.

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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.