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Seventh cat dies from antifreeze poisoning
cat
Scottish SPCA is "extremely concerned" by the number of deaths in such a small area.
Scottish SPCA reports seven deaths in one village

A seventh cat has died due to antifreeze poisoning in the village of Culloden in Inverness, the Scottish SPCA has warned.

Four-year-old Biffy returned to his home in Walker Crescent on May 1, suffering symptoms consistent with poisoning. His condition was so severe that vets sadly had to euthanise him.

Biffy's case follows the deaths of three cats from nearby Hazel Avenue, which occurred from April 2013 to January this year. A further three cats from Walker Crescent died from antifreeze poisoning in March 2012.

The Scottish SPCA is "extremely concerned" by the number of cats dying from antifreeze poisoning in such a small area.

Senior inspector Andy Brown said: "One man from Hazel Avenue has now lost three cats and has even considered moving home because of this."

The source of the poison is unknown and inspectors say they are unable to determine whether the deaths are accidental or somebody is deliberately causing the cats harm.

Mr Brown said: "Either way, it is clear there is a source somewhere in the area close to Walker Crescent and Hazel Avenue."

The SPCA is urging owners to be aware of the dangers and seek veterinary attention straight away if they suspect poisoning. People are also being asked to ensure roaming cats do not have access to antifreeze they may be storing in a garage or shed.

Anyone with any information relating to these incidents is asked to contact the SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

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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.