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African horse sickness strategy
Defra publishes control strategy for Great Britain

An African horse sickness (AHS) control strategy for Great Britain has been published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Health (Defra).

The strategy was developed by a working group, which was chaired by The Horse Trust and involved the equine industry, research organisations and Defra. It is to be updated as and when new information becomes available.

It is hoped that, with a strategy in place, suspect cases of AHS will be identified as quickly as possible, the source will also be identified, and it will minimise spread of the disease.

The document guides through The African Horse Sickness (England) Regulations 2012 and The African Horse Sickness (Scotland) Order 2012, stating that the Welsh Government intends to introduce similar legislation. The strategy also supports exotic disease contingency plans in all three nations.

Following events as they may progress, the strategy begins with a section on a heightened risk of AHS from another country, then suspicion of infection in Great Britain, followed by confirmation of disease in Great Britain.

It covers disease control strategies, restriction zones, and active surveillance, providing further guidance via links as and when possible.

Click here to view the strategy.

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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.