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Conference to discuss challenges facing Scotland’s equines
An insight into Britain’s horse crisis will presented by Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare.

Event includes a review of the new equine ID regulations

A conference to address the welfare challenges facing equines in Scotland is to be hosted by World Horse Welfare next week.

Taking place on Wednesday, 20 April leading experts and professionals will gather at the organisation’s Belwade Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Aboyne.

Here they will discuss and debate a number of topics, from the risks posed by exotic diseases to issues of identity fraud in the trade of low value equines.

An insight into Britain’s horse crisis will presented by Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare.

In his discussion, Mr Owers will look at issues of indiscriminate breeding and its impact on welfare charities.

Other topics under discussion include the issue of horses as athletes and how they compete in sport.

There will also be an update on identity fraud in the trade of low value equines and a review of the practical implications of the new equine ID regulations.

“This welfare conference is an important platform to raise and address the key challenges facing Scotland’s equine population,” commented Mr Owers.

“It’s definitely set to be an interesting and enlightening day so I’d urge anyone with an interest in equine welfare to get their tickets booked and I look forward to seeing many people there.”

The event has been organised by the British Horse Society in association with World Horse Welfare.

All debates and discussions will be chaired by BHS chairman and leading vet professor Derek Knottenbelt OBE.

The Conference is open to all and tickets are priced at £20.00 each. To find out more, please visit: www.bhsscotland.org.uk.

Image (C) World Horse Welfare

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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...
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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.