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Second avian flu case in Lancashire
The prevention zone requires poultry keepers to follow certain measures to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds.
H5N8 detected in backyard flock of nine birds
 
Avian influenza H5N8 has been confirmed in a second backyard flock near Thornton, Lancashire, just a few days after an outbreak in a flock of 30 chickens.

The second outbreak was detected in a flock of nine chickens and ducks on 6 May. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been put in place around the affected premises to limit the risk of disease spreading.

Some of the birds in the flock had died and the remainder were humanely culled. A full investigation is underway to identify the source of the infection.

Defra confirmed another case of H5N8 in a backyard flock of 30 chickens, also in Thornton, on 4 May.

At the end of last month Defra announced the avian flu prevention zone and ban on poultry gatherings would be relaxed from 15 May if there were no more H5N8 findings.

The prevention zone requires poultry keepers to follow certain measures to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds. It was introduced following outbreaks of H5N8 in poultry and wild birds in several countries across Europe. Since December 2016 there have also been a number of outbreaks across the UK.

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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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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.