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Waterfowl sites in Essex given greater protection
Dark-bellied brent geese.


Two important sites for waterfowl in Essex have been given the strongest possible environmental protection, Defra has announced.

Allfleet’s Marsh and Brandy Hole, which are part of the Crouch and Roach estuaries, are now Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). They were also designated Ramsar wetland of international importance.

Both sites provide suitable habitat for internationally important wintering water birds, including dark-bellied brent geese, lapwing, shoveler and golden plover, among many waterfowl species.

Image by Ian Kirk, Broadstone, Dorset/Commons Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0

 

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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.