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National Pet Month launches 2021 campaign
The theme of this year's National Pet Month Campaign is 'Pets and People: Caring for Each Other'.
Event aims to raise vital funds for UK pet welfare charities and organisations.

Veterinary practices are being urged to set up online fundraisers for UK pet charities and rescue centres as part of National Pet Month (April 1-May 3).

As the nation starts to ease out of lockdown, National Pet Month (NPM) aims to celebrate life with pets, highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and recognise the positive impact of pets on our mental and physical health.

This year's theme is ‘Pets and People: Caring for Each Other’, and practices are being urged to share the hashtags #NationalPetMonth21 or #NPM21 in your social posts, tagging NPM and other relevant organisations.

Previously a registered charity, NPM has been restructured as an educational awareness community for pet lovers. The UK NPM campaign will, however, continue to run from April to May every year.

“This means we can dedicate all our energy to education, which is where our passion and expertise lies,” explained Michael Bellingham, NPM spokesperson and chief executive of the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association.

“We will continue to spread important messages around responsible pet ownership and how to keep our companion animals happy and healthy all year round. We'll also bring you inspiring and fun pet stories through our social channels and website, plus lots of advice and support from our vet and pet professional colleagues.”

He continues: “Making these changes enables us to encourage our amazing community of pet lovers, to help spread the message on responsible pet ownership and continue to raise vital funds for their favourite UK pet welfare charities and organisations. 

“These are difficult times, and these charities need our support now more than ever.”

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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.