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ASF: Serbia reports first outbreaks
So far there have been four outbreaks in Serbia since 30 July.
Over 240 pigs dead or culled on backyard farms

Serbia has reported its first outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), with four outbreaks on backyard premises.

So far there have been four outbreaks since 30 July, resulting in the deaths pf 242 pigs. Three of the outbreaks occurred in the capital Belgrade, and the fourth in a town 52 miles away, Smederevska Palanka.

The source of the outbreak is currently unknown.

ASF has spread widely across Asia, including China and Vietnam, as well as parts of central and Eastern Europe. Cases have also been seen in sub-Saharan Africa.

Slovakia confirmed its first case in July, on a backyard pig holding just a few kilometres from the border with Hungary.

It was reported last week that 130,000 pigs died or were culled in Bulgaria due to ASF outbreaks in July and August. Cases were predominantly seen in the north, north west and central northern parts of the country. Six of the outbreaks occurred on large commercial farms in northern Bulgaria, close to the border with Romania.

In its latest ASF update, the APHA said there has been a distinct rise in the number of cases in domestic pigs in Eastern Europe, predominantly in the backyard sector in Romania.

The risk level for contaminated products entering the UK remains at medium, but APHA is continually reviewing the situation.

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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.