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Genetically modified salmon
Final stages of food safety approval for fish

Biologists in Canada are currently harvesting eggs from a genetically modified Atlantic salmon, which is in the final stages before being declared fit for human consumption.

The biologists, who work for a biotechnology firm, are going to keep the genetically modified fish – known as AquAdvantage salmon – in onshore tanks in Panama, Mexico.

They say the salmon will look just like their natural cousins, but will reach full-size in half the time. This improved growth is due to additional genes from the Pacific Chinook salmon and the ocean pout eel.

AquAdvantage salmon has already been declared to have "no significant impact" by the US food regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is normally the last step before official approval, however, there is still a brief period for objections.

The firm has been working on approval for AquAdvantage salmon for 17 years and, if given the green light by the FDA, the fish will be the first genetically modified animal fit for human consumption.

On the other hand, the Atlantic Salmon Federation fears that the fish, which are all female and sterile, could start breeding and disturb the ecosystem if they were to get into the wild.

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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.