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New grant for Welsh livestock markets
Cows
The grant forms part of a comprehensive range of measures set out by the Welsh government to control TB in the country.
Grant will enable markets to upgrade facilities to display animals TB history

Livestock markets in Wales are now able to apply for a grant to upgrade their facilities to enable them to display TB information of animals being sold.

The 'Informed Purchasing' grant will help markets purchase equipment, such as display boards and screens, where the TB history of animals can be displayed.

Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, said: "This grant will help enable markets to make this information readily available at the point of sale to help famers make more informed buying decisions and consider what precautions they may need to take."

The grant forms part of a comprehensive range of measures set out by the Welsh government to control TB in the country. These include annual testing, cattle movement restrictions free bio-security advice to farmers and badger vaccination.

Since 2009, there has been decline in the number of new herd incidents and total number of animals slaughtered for TB control, which indicates that the programme is working.

Markets are now able to apply for the grant and will be able to do so until 1 June.  Those successful can receive up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs. The maximum amount of funding available per site is £2,500.

The grant can also be used for other activities, such as events and advice to buyers, which will encourage farmers to share TB information.

For more information, visit the Welsh government's bTB 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.