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UK birds 'poisoned' by lead gunshot
Lead poisoning killing UK waterbirds

Scientists have revealed that lead poisoning from spent gun ammunition is a significant cause of death among the UK waterbirds.

Ten per cent of dead waterbirds collected from 1971 to 2012 died from lead poisoning, and a third of a sample of living birds were also affected. Over 2000 post-mortem examinations were conducted on individual waterbirds across 28 species across Britain over the past four decades, and up to 438 pieces of lead shot were found in the dead birds. The primary cause of death was lead poisoning in one in ten cases.

Scientists believe this shows that laws restricting the use of lead gunshot are not effective, but shooting groups have disagreed, stating that few people still use lead gunshot, but there is a 'historical legacy' of lead shot in the environment.

The study, conducted by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), is published in the European Journal of Wildlife Research.

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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.