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Swiss chefs ordered to stun lobsters before boiling
Many scientists and animal welfare organisations argue that the lobster’s nervous system is quite sophisticated.
Government bans practice of boiling lobsters alive 

Chefs in Switzerland will no longer be able to boil lobsters without stunning them first, under new rules introduced by the Swiss Government.

According to The Guardian, the move is part of a wider modernisation of Swiss animal protection laws. From March 1, 2018 the practice of plunging live lobsters into boiling water will no longer be permitted.

The government order read that lobsters 'will now have to be stunned before they are put to death’. Swiss broadcaster RTS said that only electric shock or the ‘mechanical destruction’ of the lobster’s brain will be permitted methods of stunning under the new rule.

Many scientists and animal welfare organisations argue that the lobster’s nervous system is quite sophisticated and that it is likely to feel great pain when boiled alive.

The government of Switzerland also said that the live transport of marine crustaceans on ice will no longer be permitted, insisting instead that they must ‘always be held in their natural environment.’

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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.