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Over 6000 dead pigs found in China
Image: Huangpu River, Shanghai
River death toll doubled since last week

Since the discovery of 2,800 pig carcasses in the Huangpu river in Shanghai last week, thousands more have been recovered, bringing the total to 6,600.

The carcasses are believed to have been dumped by pig farmers in the Jiaxing area of the neighbouring Zhejiang province. A surge in the dumping of dead pigs is thought to have been prompted by police campaigns against the sale of diseased pork.

Last Wednesday a Zhejiang court sentenced 46 people to imprisonment for producing unsafe pork from diseased pigs between 2010 and 2012.

As part of another operation last year, police in Jiaxing broke up a gang that was found to be acquiring and slaughtering diseased pigs, confiscating nearly 12 tonnes of unsafe pork.

The discovery of nearly 7000 carcasses in the Huangpu over the last week has caused anxiety amongst local residents. Officals however say the water supply remains safe.

The Shanghai government said on Wednesday that the water will continue to be tested for viruses, including porcine circovirus, which is not thought to affect humans. 

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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.