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Tougher penalties for late bTB tests
farmer with vet
CAP payments will be reduced by 1 to 5 per cent if TB tests are overdue.
Defra to crack down on late tests in 2015

From the start of the new year, farmers who fail to complete their bovine TB tests on time will face tough new penalties, Defra has announced.

Cattle farmers who receive Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments will see these reduced by 1 to 5 per cent if their TB tests are overdue. The move is part of the government's plans to eradicate the disease.

Currently, farmers' CAP payments are reduced if they are late for TB surveillance and check tests, but from January 1, 2015, this will be extended to most other types of TB test. Excluded from this rule are tests to trace trace animals as a result of a TB breakdown elsewhere.

CAP payments will be reduced by 1 per cent if testing is one to 10 days late, 3 per cent if it is 11 to 30 days overdue, or 5 per cent for delays of more than 30 days.

In addition to this, Defra will introduce six-monthly surveillance checks in parts of Cheshire included in the TB edge area. This will replace the annual herd test and radial testing.

For more information, visit Defra's 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. 

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.