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KFC commits to better chicken welfare
The Better Chicken Commitment requires suppliers to meet a set of six requirements for all chicken in the supply chain by 2026.
Fast-food chain signs Better Chicken Commitment 

KFC has become the first fast-food chain in the UK to sign up to the Better Chicken Commitment, which lays out ambitious goals for improving animal welfare.

The Better Chicken Commitment requires suppliers to meet a set of six requirements for all chicken in the supply chain by 2026. It was created by a group of 28 international welfare organisations, including the RSPCA, Four Paws and World Animal Protection.

Requirements include providing more space; bringing in more natural features such as natural light, perches and pecking objects; and moving towards slower-growing breeds.

So far, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Nestlé and Knorr have also signed the commitment.

Paula MacKenzie, CEO of KFC UK & Ireland said: “Signing up to the European Chicken Commitment isn’t just a box-ticking exercise for us, we’re doing this because we truly believe it’s the right thing to do. Chicken is our business and we have a responsibility as ‘the’ chicken brand, to make sure that we are pushing improvement to chicken welfare standards across our supply chain.”

Commenting on the move, Claire Williams, campaign manager for the Better Chicken Commitment said: “We are now really pleased to have one of the UK’s largest fast-food chains, two of the country’s leading supermarkets and a number of other major brands on board. This is a great step for meat chickens and consumers. 

“We are hopeful that this move will give their competitors the wake-up call they need to realise that animal welfare cannot go on being ignored.”

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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.