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‘Small number’ of Zika cases identified in Scotland
aedes mosquito
ZIka is primarily spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
Virus ‘does not pose a public health risk’

A small number of Zika cases have been identified in Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

According to BBC News, the disease has affected up to five people.

In a statement, the Scottish Government said that the mosquito is not found in the UK and does not pose a public health risk.

"We can assure the public that Zika does not pose a public health risk in Scotland, and of the cases identified in the UK a very small number have been found in Scotland.

“The mosquito that spreads the virus is not found in the UK, and in any case would not be able to establish in Scotland because of our climate.”

They add: “We have already informed the at-risk groups about the risks and how to protect themselves through Health Protection Scotland's travel advice. We continue to closely monitor developments in our understanding of the Zika virus as treatments and testing regimes develop."

Currently there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, which is primarily spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

While most people infected with Zika will only experience mild symptoms, the disease has been linked to microcephaly in babies.

The condition results in babies being born with smaller brains that might not have developed properly.

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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.