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Feline medicine conference heads to Latvia
Image ISFM Riga congress
Behaviour and neurology focus for June conference

Feline behaviour, neurology and "Hollywood glamour" are all set to feature at the next International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) Congress, which is heading to Riga, Latvia in June this year.

Delegates will benefit from a range of lectures on feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), paralysis and seizures, among many others, as well as a glittering themed party in the grand hall of the historic Riga Latvian Society House.

World leader in the field of FIC, Tony Buffington from the Ohio State University, will discuss the development, prognosis and management of the condition.

In a series of lectures, he will also explore the environmental enrichment options for confined cats, as well as the use of evidence-based medicine to aid decision-making in practice. For a deeper understanding of clinical nutrition, delegates can opt to attend the masterclass.

Rita Goncalves from the University of Liverpool will look at the management of hepatic encephalopathy, and the infectious, metabolic and toxic causes of neurological disease.

Additionally, the surgical management of portosystematic shunts and laryngeal paralysis will be covered by John Williams of North West Surgeons UK, who will also host a masterclass in abdominal surgery during the event.

European veterinary specialist in neurology, Laurent Garosi, will cover a number of topics, such as the management of traumatic brain injury, acute spinal injury, evaluating the paralysed cat and approaches for wobbly, weak or seizuring cats.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones during three free drinks receptions and the main Hollywood glamour themed party.

In addition, no lectures are scheduled on the Saturday afternoon of the event, allowing delegates the opportunity to explore the city. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Riga is the European Capital of Culture for 2014.

The conference will be held from June 18-22 at the Radisson Blu Latvia Hotel - one of the defining landmarks in Riga's skyline.

For the full scientific programme, or to register, go to www.icatcare.org/vets

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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
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.