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US Rhino horn smuggling ring arrested
Seven arrested by Federal Agents

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have announced the arrest of seven people by Federal Agents in a multi-state undercover operation to tackle the smuggling of rhino horns. Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement for the FWS Edward Grace confirmed that all seven would be charged with multiple counts including conspiracy and trafficking in endangered species.

Agents working on Operation CRASH arrested individuals in New York, New Jersey, Texas and California. Alleged trafficker Stephen Wade was stopped at an unnamed California airport in the company of his family and a search found $337,000 in their luggage, while Jimmy Kha, Mai Nguyen and Felix Kha were all taken into custody in Southern California. Amir Even-Ezra, Jin Zhao Feng (a Chinese citizen) and David Hausman (an antiques expert) were also detained.

20 rhino horns, $1 million in gold ingots, a quantity of diamonds and Rolex watches were also seized by the Federal Agents. Officials confirmed that at least 18 shipments of rhino horns sent by the Steffen family to an exotic animals auction house owner had also been intercepted.

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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.