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Leading scientists honoured for animal welfare work
Professors Sandra Edwards and Jeff Rushen.

Professors Sandra Edwards and Jeff Rushen receive UFAW medal

Two leading scientists have been awarded the
Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science.

Professors Sandra Edwards and Jeff Rushen received a commemorative medal and award at the UFAW’s International Symposium at Royal Holloway, University of London (27-29 June).

Professor Edwards from the School of Agriculture at Newcastle University is a worldwide expert on pig welfare. Many of the projects she led involved collaborations between government, academia, NGOs and industry. She has also given her expertise to influential policy/advisory committees such as the Farm Animal Welfare Council and European Food Safety Authority.

Professor Rusden of the Dairy Education & Research Centre, University of British Columbia has co-authored the most important books to date on both cattle welfare and stereotypic animal behaviour.

Over the course of his career, Jeff has published more than 300 papers that provide a model of clear thinking and research excellence. Amongst his work has been a series of papers on how people can become an important source of fear for animals - and how this fear can be mitigated to improve human-animal relationships.

UFAW’s Chief Executive Dr Robert Hubrecht, who will be presenting the awards, said: “Professors Jeff Rushen and Sandra Edwards are both world-leading experts in their fields, who have made substantial contributions to our understanding of farm-animal needs and husbandry. They are very worthy winners of the 2017 UFAW medal.”

The UFAW recognises exceptional achievements of individual scientists who have made fundamental contributions to the advancement of animal welfare over several years.  

The award is open to individuals throughout the world whose research, teaching, service and advocacy has significantly benefitted the welfare of animals.

Image (C) UFAW

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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.