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New dates for pig health scheme
Assessments help to improve health management

New abattoir assessment dates have been announced for the BPEX Pig Health Scheme (BPHS), which provides farmers with data on subclinical disease in carcasses.

Giving information on health issues such as pneumonia, pleurisy, APP and worms, allows farmers and vets to assess the effectiveness of treatments such as new vaccines.

Reports are received free of charge by members of the BPEX Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP).

After sending carcasses to one of the 14 participating abattoirs in the UK on assessment day, farmers will receive a report on the health of the animals within two days.

Health issues can then be monitored and discussed with the farm vet, in order for positive changes to be made to health management.

For new assessment dates between July and December, visit the BPEX website.

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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.