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Cull petition reaches 100,000 signatures
Yet farming minister insists culls will still go ahead

Despite growing opposition from the public, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are insisting the imminent badger cull will still take place.

An e-petition, launched by the Stop the Cull campaign, reached 100,000 signatures in a record time of two weeks on Monday (24 September). This means the issue can now be considered for debate in the House of Commons.

The six-week pilot cull to help eradicate bovine Tb, spread by badgers, is currently set to take place in West Gloucestershire and West Somerset by the end of next month. Last week Natural England issued their first culling licence.

Despite numerous legal challenges, Farming Minister David Heath has insisted the cull will still go ahead.

"I don't think I should [revise the policy] because I am persuaded by the science," he said. "The trials are trials. They will tell whether the cull can be done in a safe, effective and humane way."

Just one of the organisations urging the government to abandon the cull and vaccinate badgers instead is the RSPCA.
 
“This campaign is gathering an incredible momentum," said RSPCA Chief Executive, Gavin Grant. "The speed of this growth shows the scale of public interest in this issue - the UK Government must now listen to what the public are saying and give this matter some parliamentary time. Let's cure not kill."

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.