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New beef cattle housing guidance for farmers
The booklet urges farmers to wash-down areas for vehicles and footwear to prevent the spread of disease.
Booklet provides basic welfare, regulatory and environmental information 

New guidelines for farmers on the importance of biosecurity in cattle housing have been published by the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS).

The Beef Cattle Housing booklet warns that cattle housed in poorly designed buildings are at risk of contracting disease if proper biosecurity measures are not met.

“This booklet is intended to provide basic welfare, regulatory and environmental information for farmers considering the erection of a new beef cattle shed and also provides links to sources of more detailed information,” said Jim Campbell from SAC Consulting, which delivers the FAS.

The booklet urges farmers to wash-down areas for vehicles and footwear to prevent the spread of disease. These areas should be carefully located so that contaminated water does not come into contact with livestock, it says.

The booklet also covers regulatory approvals, services, ventilation, waste handling, location, choice of housing system, space requirements, materials and references.

 

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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.