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Scotland to have own food standards body
New body to be set up for Scotland

The Scottish Government has decided to establish a new body to oversee food safety, food standards, nutrition, food labelling and meat inspection in Scotland.

The decision was made following a recommendation by Jim Scudamore, a former UK Chief Veterinary Officer, who reviewed the feasibility of establishing such a body by the Scottish Government.

In light of the UK Government having decided to move responsibility for nutrition and food labelling in England from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to the Department of Health and Defra, Professor Scudamore recommended a new, stand-alone public body to deal with food standards, as it would "offer the best outcome for Scotland's long term interests."

Michael Matheson, public health minister in the Scottish Government, said: "A new body will allow a Scottish approach to be taken to tackle poor diet and foodborne diseases and should support our food and drink industry in growing its strong, international reputation for safe, quality food."

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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.