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E-cigarette warning after puppy death
Staffie puppy
Pet owners have been warned to keep e-cigarette equipment out of reach of pets.
Young dog dies after ingesting e-cigarette liquid

A warning has been issued by the BVA on the dangers of nicotine following reports that a puppy in Cornwall died after consuming an e-cigarette refill.

BVA president Robin Hargreaves said: "This is a tragic case and very worrying when you consider how many people are now using e-cigarettes.

"Nicotine poisoning acts very quickly and can be fatal, especially when large doses are involved. E-cigarettes and refills can easily contain sufficient quantities of nicotine to kill a small animal very quickly."

The puppy is believed to have been a recently rehomed Staffordshire bull terrier cross. After apparently biting into an e-cigarette refill last Sunday, the animal became unwell and died on Monday morning after failing to respond to treatment.

The BVA has warned pet owners who use e-cigarettes to ensure all equipment is stored safely out of reach of pets.

Mr Hargreaves added: "If you suspect your pet has chewed or eaten an e-cigarette or any toxic substance then it is vital that you contact a vet for treatment as quickly as possible."

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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.