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Ban on seal hunting products upheld
seal
The RSPCA said it is "delighted" that the ban on importing seal products has been upheld.
RSPCA welcomes WTO decision to reject appeal

Animal welfare organisations have welcomed a decision by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to uphold a ban on the import of products of the seal hunting industry.

An EU ban in 2010 prohibited the trade in items such as seal pelts, oil and meat, including those from Canada, Namibia and Norway.

In response to the decision, the Canadian and Norwegian governments challenged the ban. However, the four-year ban on seal fur will be upheld after the WTO rejected the appeal.

RSPCA head of public affairs David Bowles 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…

"We hope this landmark ruling will now give governments greater confidence to pursue and agree measures to improve animal welfare, including trade bans".

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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.