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Skomer Island’s seals killed in recent storms
Skomer Island is an important breeding ground for the Atlantic grey seal.

Wildlife Trust launches fundraising appeal

Recent storms have killed more than two-thirds of seal pups living on Pembrokeshire’s Skomer Island.

According to a report by BBC News, storms Ophelia and Brian also wiped out 90 seal pups living on nearby Ramsey Island.

Lizzie Wilberforce, conservation manager for Skomer said: "These storms were the strongest since 1987 and unfortunately, violent storms like these are becoming more common as our islands are exposed and vulnerable to severe weather.

"It is vital that we start to put protocols in place to better deal with the potential impacts, on both the islands' wildlife and infrastructure."

Skomer Island is owned by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and is an important breeding ground for the Atlantic grey seal. The Trust is now aiming to raise at least £25,000 to monitor the impact on wildlife, repair the damage, and storm-proof the islands for the future.

For more information visit: www.welshwildlife.org/Islands-storm-Appeal

Image (C) Oliver Dixon

 

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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.