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BVA welcomes funding to eradicate sheep scab in Wales
Sheep scab has been identified as a disease priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.
£5million to be made available through Rural Development Programme

The BVA has welcomed an announcement by the Welsh Government that £5 million of Rural Development Programme funding will be used to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.

BVA Welsh Branch President Sarah Carr said: “We welcome this positive step towards eradicating sheep scab in Wales. Vets see first-hand the very significant impact sheep scab has on livestock health and welfare and we are delighted to see Welsh Government supporting vets and industry to eradicate this highly contagious disease.

“Today's announcement is another example of Welsh Government leading the way in demonstrating that industry and government can work together for the benefit of animal welfare.”

One of the most contagious diseases of sheep in Wales, sheep scab has been identified as a disease priority by the Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group.

The funding was announced on Monday (7 January) by Welsh environment secretary Lesley Griffiths and follows an industry proposal to eradicate sheep scab in Wales.

“Eradicating the disease has the potential to deliver significant lasting economic benefits for the sector at a particularly challenging time as we prepare to leave the European Union,” she said.

More details about the project are expected in the coming months. 

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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.