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APHA confirms three further avian flu cases in England
Three further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been confirmed in England.
Restrictions have been placed around the affected premises to limit disease spread.

The APHA has confirmed three further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in England.

On Saturday (19 December) highly pathogenic (H5N1) avian influenza was identified in backyard chickens near Hawes, North Yorkshire. 

Testing is underway to confirm whether this is also the same H5N1 strain that was previously found in wild birds. A 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zone and 10km Temporary Movement Restriction Zone have been declared around the premises. 

Also on Saturday, a separate case of highly pathogenic (H5N8) avian influenza was confirmed in backyard poultry near Gillingham, Dorset. All birds on the premises will be humanely culled. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been declared. 

Finally, on Sunday (20 December) the APHA confirmed HPAI H5N8 on a commercial duck breeding premises near Attleborough, Norfolk. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled. The 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zone has been revoked and replaced by a 3km Protection Zone and a 10km Surveillance Zone.

For more information on avian influenza, including the latest guidance, visit gov.uk

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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.