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Second avian flu outbreak in Suffolk
turkey
England, Wales and Scotland recently announced new avian influenza prevention zones. (stock photo)
Culling of 55,000 birds undertaken to contain the possible spread

Avian influenza H5N8 has been identified at a second premises near Redgrave in Suffolk, during routine investigations following the recent outbreak nearby.

The UK’s deputy chief veterinary officer confirmed on Friday (3 March) that proactive culling of 55,000 birds would take place to contain the possible spread of avian flu. Cleansing and disinfection would also take place to further reduce the risk to other birds.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are in place following the previous case in the same area. The earlier case was confirmed at a separate premises in the area on 13 February.

Other outbreaks of H5N8 have previously been confirmed on farms and in backyard flocks in Northumberland, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Carmarthenshire. There have also been a number of wild bird cases across the UK.

England, Wales and Scotland recently announced new avian influenza prevention zones, which will run from 28 February until at least the end of April.

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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. 

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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.