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EU seal trade ban upheld
Conservationists welcome decision by WTO

An EU ban on the trade in products from commercial seal hunts has been upheld by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a move that has been welcomed by the RSPCA.

The ban in 2010 prohibited the trade of seal products from all commercial hunts, including those in Canada, Namibia and Norway, though it does not affect hunting by indigenous communities.

Animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA, WSPA and Humane Society International at the time condemned the practice of clubbing or shooting the animals for their fur  as "cruel and unnecessary".

An appeal by the Canadian government to overturn the ban was rejected by the WTO on November 25.

David Bowles, head of RSPCA public affairs, said: "This is an historic decision - it is the first time that a moral defence has been upheld in entirety and that in itself is game changing.

"This decision is not only important for animal welfare but it could also affect the way Governments treat other social issues such as improving standards on child labour going forward."

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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.