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Law change benefits endangered animals
red squirrel
Establishing what is normal for a species helps to build a picture of the best ways to care for and conserve others of the same type.
Jersey vets able to take blood samples to aid conservation efforts

Vets in Jersey will soon be able to perform minor procedures to provide key information about rare and endangered animals.

It has been announced that the island's animal welfare laws will be updated, bringing them in line with modern practices. Currently, for example, vets are only allowed to take blood samples for the purpose of diagnosis or monitoring.

Under the law as it stands, conservation organisations are not allowed to take blood samples to determine what would be 'normal' for an animal of a particular weight, age and species.

Steve Luce, planning and environmental minister, recently agreed to change the Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law to allow this necessary conservation work to be carried out. Establishing what is normal for a species can help conservationists to build up a picture of the best ways to care for and conserve others of the same type. This is particularly true of rare animals.

Organisations working with rare or endangered species can apply for permission to carry out minor procedures that will benefit conservation, helping the future management and survival of a species.

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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.