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VMD publishes EU exit advice for vets
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the key areas in which vets will need to do things differently are operating the prescribing cascade and applying for a Special Import Certificate.
Information hub aids preparations for no deal scenario 

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched an information hub to help vets prepare for Brexit, including what will change if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the key areas in which vets will need to do things differently are operating the prescribing cascade and applying for a Special Import Certificate.

From EU Exit Day (29 March 2019), the UK would have to follow World Trade Organisation rules, if a deal is not reached. As a result, we would no longer be able to show preference to EU medicines over those from other countries when prescribing under the cascade.

Whether a deal is reached or not, after Brexit the VMD will no longer issue Special Treatment Certificates. Only Special Import Certificates (SICs) will be available to vets importing medicines for veterinary use.

SICs will be issued for veterinary medicines authorised outside of the UK, human medicines authorised outside the UK, or in very exceptional cases, unauthorised medicines from outside the UK.

For further information and updates on what will and will not change after Brexit, visit the EU Exit Information Hub.

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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.