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Funding to support research into human-animal bond
"Human-animal bonds are dynamic relationships between people and animals" - Dr Elizabeth Ormerod.

Projects exploring companion animal loss will be considered

A three-year funding programme to enable research into the human-animal bond has been announced by the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS).

The programme will prioritise animal-assisted interventions (particularly with children), the human-companion animal relationship and cross-disciplinary working. Projects exploring companion animal loss and the bond-centred veterinary practice will also be taken into consideration, as will those that consider older people, children or people with diverse needs.


Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, SCAS chairman, explains: “Human-animal bonds are dynamic relationships between people and animals. They are usually symbiotic, providing psychological and physical benefits to both parties. Research projects, such as those we will be funding, are essential to add to the growing evidence base which can be key to encouraging such relationships, and also to supporting these if under challenge.”

The funding will consist of five x £10k maximum pump priming research awards, 2 x £1.5k undergraduate student project awards and a £1.5k maximum award to support open access publication.

Applications are now open and close on 31 March 2020. Visit www.scas.org.uk for further details and information on how to apply.

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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.