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Rescue seals named after royal couple
The rescue centre urged the public to show ‘decorum’ when it comes to animals found on the beach.
Meghan Mackerel and Prince Herring were born prematurely 

A pair of rescued seals have been named ‘Prince Herring’ and ‘Meghan Mackerel’, in honour of the royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The seals (not pictured) were rescued separately in June by Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, where they now reside. Meghan Mackerel was found alone on Sidney Island near Victoria on June 18, with no sign of her mother.

She was underweight, had remnants of her umbilical cord still attached and was still covered in soft fur, suggesting she was born prematurely.

Prince Herring was also born prematurely and was found two days later in a marsh located inland from Crescent Beach. He was still attached to the placenta but his mother was nowhere in sight.

In a statement, the rescue centre urged the public to show ‘decorum’ when it comes to animals found on the beach.

Assistant manager Emily Johnson said: "Mothers will often leave their pups on shore while they forage for food; they will usually make it back. We ask those who find a seal pup not to touch it and to keep their pets away. Call us, we'll assess the animal, then decide if a rescue is needed."

Members of the public can symbolically ‘adopt’ Meghan or Herring to help fund ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the centre, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases around 150 animals a year.

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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.