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Collaboration to improve livestock production
Chicken
The teams will explore precision breeding technology in chicken, pig and turkey breeding.
Scientists investigate precision breeding technology
 
A collaboration between the Roslin Institute and Hendrix Genetics, a global leader in animal breeding, is set to improve the sustainability of animal production.

According to a press release, the researchers will focus on driving innovations that lead to greater disease resistance in farmed animals, as well as better selective breeding programmes.

Their aim is to reduce loss and improve welfare in the fish farming and livestock industries.

The Roslin Institute already collaborates with the salmon breeding company Landcatch, owned by Hendrix Genetics.

Together the organisations found a gene that makes salmon more resilient to a viral disease. This also led to the development of genetic tools that have improved selective breeding for resistance to sea lice.

Through this new research, the teams hope to grow and strengthen their relationship. They will explore precision breeding technology, not just in aquaculture, but also in chicken, pig and turkey breeding.

"This partnership with Roslin offers a unique opportunity to improve our breeding programs through applied research projects using the latest genome technology," said Dr Johan van Arendon, chief innovation and technology officer at Hendrix Genetics.

Dr Ross Houston, a group leader in aquaculture genetics at Roslin, adds: "This is an exciting development which will allow us to build on past successes with Hendrix Genetics Aquaculture and facilitate new projects to improve disease resistance in salmon and other species through selective breeding."


 

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.