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Sweden exempt from pre-race sampling in Britain
horse racing
Sweden joins Ireland, France and Germany on the sampling exemption list.
Nation's anti-doping rules meet BHA requirements

Swedish racehorses are no longer subject to sampling requirements prior to running in Britain, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed.

The country has been added to the exemption list as its national legislation and the rules of its horse racing authority, Svensk Galopp, adhere to the BHA's anti-doping requirements.

Jamie Stier, the BHA's director of raceday operations and regulation, said: "We are pleased to confirm that Sweden’s anti-doping rules meet the criteria required for exemption from Britain’s sampling procedures for foreign runners.

"The key considerations that underpin the decision are that in Swedish racing the use of anabolic steroids is not permitted under any circumstances, there is no therapeutic use exemption and horses are subject to testing from registration until retirement from racing.

"This includes out-of-competition testing regardless of the horse’s whereabouts."

Ireland, France and Germany were already exempt from sampling requirements as key parts of their anti-doping policies reflect those of the BHA.

All other international runners must arrive in Britain 10 days before their intended race in order to be sampled.

BHA announced a revised equine anti-doping policy in June last year, when it confirmed Ireland, France and Germany would be exempt from the sampling requirements.

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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.