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Police dog Nero recovering after neck fractures
Nero
Nero was able to return home on 29 July and PC Warncken said he is "doing well and comfortable".

Nero was injured in a fall while tracking suspects

A police dog is said to be recovering well after suffering two neck fractures while he was tracking suspected muggers in Watford.

At around 1.45am on 21 July, a woman in her 30s was approached by four men, who threatened and assaulted her, causing minor injuries to her eye and taking her handbag.

Six-year-old German shepherd Nero and his handler responded to the incident, which occurred on Field Road in Watford.

While he was tracking suspects in the area at around 2.30am, Nero climbed over railings and fell approximately 12 feet, landing badly.

The dog was taken to a local vet where they discovered he had two fractures in his neck. His handler, PC Clive Warncken, praised vets for the "excellent care and support" they gave to both him and Nero, giving him the best chance of a full recovery and return to active duty.

Nero was able to return home on 29 July and PC Warncken said he is "doing well and comfortable".

He added: "I suspect he might be a bit frustrated as he’s used to being so active, but I will ensure he receives the rest he needs!"

Image © Angela Tompkins
 

 

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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.