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RSPCA launches appeal after suspected chicken poisonings
The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.
Chickens found having been frothing from the mouth 

An appeal for information has been launched by the RSPCA after multiple chickens were found dead on an allotment in Wales.

RSPCA Cymru said the allotment holder arrived at the site in Brithdir to find 30 chickens dead, some of which were his own. The chickens has been frothing from their mouths and had blood on their combs, suggesting they had been poisoned.

In light of these events, the RSPCA is now calling on anyone in the area with information to contact their inspectorate appeal line. The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.

“Clearly, the death of these poor birds is highly suspicious and disturbing – and we fear the chickens would have suffered immeasurably by any poisoning,” said RSPCA inspector David Milborrow.
 
“There is strong evidence to suggest any poisoning was a deliberate act - and we are calling on the local community to come forward with any information they may have.”

Anybody with information is encouraged to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. 

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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.