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‘Worrying escalation’ of swine dysentery cases, NPA says
NPA said the cases continue the ‘worrying escalation’ of outbreaks in recent weeks.
Increased biosecurity and monitoring recommended 

The National Pig Association (NPA) is calling for increased biosecurity on pig farms after four new cases of swine dysentery were confirmed in one day last week.

Three cases were detected in North Yorkshire, one on a finisher unit, while a fourth case was identified on a finishing unit in Gloucestershire on 22 March.

Strict biosecurity and bio-containment measures are in place and treatment is ongoing at the units. One of the units is said to be ‘responding well’ to treatment. The origin of the outbreaks is not known, but investigations are underway, according to AHDB.

NPA said the cases continue the ‘worrying escalation’ of outbreaks in recent weeks. The association is warning farmers who have recently moved pigs from North Yorkshire to monitor them closely for the development of clinical signs.

AHDB stressed the importance of enhanced biosecurity and monitoring for clinical signs over the next few weeks, particularly in North Yorkshire and Gloucestershire.

Earlier this month, AHDB reported three outbreaks across three different counties in the north and east of the country over a period of two weeks.

Click here for NPA guidance on biosecurity measures.

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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.