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Natural protection against rabies found
Indication that some humans are naturally resistant to rabies

A study in a remote community in the Peruvian Amazon has given scientists new light on rabies disease. Results showed that regular exposure to vampire bats is the key to natural resistance in humans.

Ten per cent of people tested showed a resistance to the rabies disease, without any prior medical intervention. Before now, it has always been presumed that rabies infections give a 100 per cent fatality rate.

The study suggests those who have been regularly exposed to the disease have built up a natural form of immunity to rabies. Results would be expected to differ depending upon location - those communities with exposure to vampire bats being more resistant than those without exposure.

These findings of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were published yesterday in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

'This means there may be ways to develop effective treatments that can save lives in areas where rabies remains a persistent cause of death,' said Amy Gilbert, member of the CDC and lead author of the journal.

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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.