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RSPB warns against glittery ‘reindeer food’
‘Reindeer food’ containing substances such as oats and glitter are available to buy at this time of year.
Mixes containing plastics are harmful to wildlife

The RSPB is warning families not to scatter glitter or sequins outdoors for ‘Santa’s reindeers’ this Christmas, as they are harmful to wildlife and the environment.

‘Reindeer food’ containing substances such as oats and glitter are available to buy at this time of year, so that children can scatter it on the lawn on Christmas Eve.

However, the RSPB is urging the public not to use mixes containing glitter or sequins, as anything made from plastic causes stomach problems for most animals if eaten, as well as being harmful to the environment.

Cake sprinkles or edible glitter should also be avoided as they often contain e-numbers.

Instead, the charity is recommending a nature-friendly recipe that can be safely eaten by birds. RSPB recommends mixing up raw porridge oats, sunflower seeds and nyjer seeds. For colour, blueberries or apple can be added.

Sprinkle into a tray or bowl on Christmas Eve for a festive treat for reindeer (and birds).

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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.