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ASF: UK at risk from imported pork, APHA says
ASF outbreaks have now been reported in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Hong Kong and North Korea.
Virus spread in Asia prompts concern over passenger luggage 

African swine fever (ASF) could enter the UK through contaminated pork or pork products imported from Asia, the APHA has warned.

Media reports suggest several countries have seized infected pork or pork products at their borders and there are regular direct flights to the UK from China and the EU, prompting concerns about products being brought back in passenger luggage.

The potential role of soft ticks as a vector for the disease has also increased, with spread to areas of South East Asia where they are endemic.

ASF outbreaks have now been reported in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Hong Kong and North Korea.

As well as direct routes, APHA said contaminated animal feed ingredients and fomites are potential pathways for ASF transmission. These factors are suspected of playing a part in China, where 142 outbreaks had been reported as of 4 June.

APHA said the UK’s risk level remains at medium, but the situation is being kept under review.

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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 members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.