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Swiss chefs ordered to stun lobsters before boiling
Many scientists and animal welfare organisations argue that the lobster’s nervous system is quite sophisticated.
Government bans practice of boiling lobsters alive 

Chefs in Switzerland will no longer be able to boil lobsters without stunning them first, under new rules introduced by the Swiss Government.

According to The Guardian, the move is part of a wider modernisation of Swiss animal protection laws. From March 1, 2018 the practice of plunging live lobsters into boiling water will no longer be permitted.

The government order read that lobsters 'will now have to be stunned before they are put to death’. Swiss broadcaster RTS said that only electric shock or the ‘mechanical destruction’ of the lobster’s brain will be permitted methods of stunning under the new rule.

Many scientists and animal welfare organisations argue that the lobster’s nervous system is quite sophisticated and that it is likely to feel great pain when boiled alive.

The government of Switzerland also said that the live transport of marine crustaceans on ice will no longer be permitted, insisting instead that they must ‘always be held in their natural environment.’

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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.