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Welsh minister sacked over “unacceptable” emails
Alun Davies
Alun Davies was asked to leave government after requesting private information about opposition politicians.
Alun Davies requested private information about opposition politicians

Alun Davies, Welsh minister for natural resources and food, has been sacked after it emerged he asked civil servants for private information about the financial interests of opposition politicians.

In an email, Mr Davies asks for information about the common agricultural policy payments made to certain assembly members.

Despite being told by his staff that the information was not publicly available, Mr Davies made the request again verbally. The matter was then forwarded to first minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones.

In an official written statement released on July 8, the first minister said Mr Davies' actions were “poorly judged, inappropriate” and “unacceptable”.

“As a result,” he wrote, “I have asked the minister for natural resources and food to leave the government.

“I made this decision with some regret and would like to record my appreciation for the contribution that Alun Davies has undoubtedly made to the work of the government during his time in office.”

Mr Davies' previous duties have been divided up between other ministers.

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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.