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Horse Tax Bill Opposition
Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposals to introduce a tax on horse owners.
 The draft Animal Health Bill has drawn criticism from the horse sector regarding the introduction of a new tax on horse owners.

Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposals to introduce a tax on horse owners. Campaigners have been logging on to the 10 Downing Street website since September to have their say on the proposals.

The British Horse Industry Confederation has explicitly expressed their concern. One spokesperson, Tim Morris said: “The horse sector has said it will work with the government to achieve the benefits of reduced risk of disease and enhanced animal welfare. The horse sector has a long history of already sharing responsibly and costs for disease with Defra, and unlike farmers the horse sector was only notified of these radical changes less than a year ago. But all we are seeing is the extra cost and complexity of an expensive new quango, which will be an unnecessary burden to both the taxpayer and horse owner, with none of these benefits.”

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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.