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Over 2000 farm animals feared dead in flooding
Sheep
Thousands of livestock are feared to have died in the floods caused by Storm Desmond earlier this month.
Charity calls for donations of fodder and feed

Thousands of livestock are feared to have died in the floods caused by Storm Desmond earlier this month.

Farmers Weekly say that latest estimates from the Fallen Stock Company show that around 2000 sheep and 100 cattle perished in the flood water.

The news comes as Forage Aid, a charity which supplied emergency livestock feed and bedding to farmers hit by the storm, repeated its call for fodder and feed.

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Forage Aid founder Andrew Ward said: “It is very bad in places – there are many more animal fatalities than many people envisaged.

“Thousands of sheep have died or are missing – a lot of people I have spoken to believe they have been washed out into the Irish Sea.”

The charity say that they have received 200 pledges from farmers wanting donate forage, with nine livestock markets in Cumbria signed up as distribution depots for supplies.

However, they add that farmers wanting to donate supplied should do so through the Forage Aid website, and not turn up at the depots unannounced.  

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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.