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Badger vaccination underway
Welsh Environment Minister confirms developments

John Griffiths, the Welsh Government’s Environment Minister, has confirmed that badger vaccination in North Pembrokeshire is underway, following his announcement in March of plans to embark on a badger vaccination programme within the Intensive Action Area in order to eradicate bovine TB in Wales.

Monday saw the vaccination programme officially begin in West Wales, it will continue throughout the summer and into early autumn. Over 275 badgers have been successfully trapped and vaccinated against TB so far. This is the first time that a project to cage trap and vaccinate badgers on such a scale has been undertaken.

The programme concentrates its efforts in the Intensive Action Area, primarily located in north Pembrokeshire, but includes small parts of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. It covers approximately 288 square kilometres.

Mr Griffiths explained: “Our decision to pursue a vaccination programme has enabled us to take quick and decisive action aimed at developing a degree of immunity to TB within the badger population. We believe that this will reduce the risk of TB transmission from badgers to cattle.”

He concluded: “I would like to thank farmers and landowners for their co-operation. We will be monitoring the results of vaccination, and of our whole eradication programme, carefully to ensure we are making good progress towards our ultimate goal of a TB-free Wales.”

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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.