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BSE confirmed in Wales
cows
BSE is a progressive, fatal disease of the nervous system in cattle.
Isolated case in dead cow

A single case of classical BSE has been confirmed in a dead cow in Wales.

Rebecca Evans, the Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, said: "The case was identified as a result of the strict control measures we have in place. It did not enter the human food chain and the Food Standards Agency and Public Health Wales have confirmed there is no risk to human health as a result of this isolated case."

The animal's offspring and other cohorts have been traced and isolated. They will be destroyed in line with EU requirements. Ms Evans says the Welsh Government is working alongside Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency to investigate the circumstances of this case.

Prior to this, the last Welsh case was recorded in 2013. Sporadic cases have been confirmed across the UK in recent years.

BSE, often referred to as 'mad cow disease' is a progressive, fatal disease of the nervous system in cattle. All animals that die on a farm over the age of four are routinely tested for BSE in Wales. 

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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.