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Innovation award for animal welfare courses
The on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare was introduced by Professor David Wood-Gush, one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals.
Edinburgh courses recognised for role in transforming animal care
 
Two animal welfare courses have been recognised for the role they have played in transforming the care of pets, livestock and wild animals worldwide for more than a quarter of a century.

The on-campus and online programmes at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies received the Innovative Developments in Animal Welfare Award from the British Society of Animal Science and the RSPCA.

Over 600 students have completed the on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare, which was introduced in 1990 by Professor David Wood-Gush, who was one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals. It is led jointly by the University of Edinburgh and the SRUC.

According to the university, alumni have gone on to make significant achievements in animal welfare globally, forging careers in research, education, government, veterinary practice and within non-governmental or industry organisations.

The online Masters in International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law was launched in 2012 and graduates have already made notable impacts in legislation and policy changes.

Professor David Argyle, head of the Royal (Dick) Vet School said: “We are committed to training the animal welfare leaders of the future and are thrilled that these programmes, run jointly with SRUC, have been recognised for their success.”

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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.