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UK and China make £50 million pork deal
Decision announced by Jim Paice.

Agricultural Minister Jim Paice has announced a landmark agreement with China that will significantly boost trade for British food and farming businesses. In a deal estimated to be worth £50 million, British pork - mostly the "fifth quarter" such as offal, trotters and ears - will be exported to China.

Mr Paice said: "China is the most lucrative grocery market in the world and, from fashion to food, its rapidly expanding middle class has an appetite for western goods."

He added: "In particular they are eating more meat, and our top quality produces have got huge opportunities to meet that demand and help our economic recovery."

In addition, the industry is currently developing its trade in genetic material for breeding programmes, as British pigs are more fertile and productive.

BPEX chairman Stewart Houston called the deal "a wonderful achievement," adding that it is "something we have been working towards for several years in close co-operation with DEFRA and the British embassy in Beijing." 

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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.