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Vets urged to use online testing service
"Since its introduction, ADTS has provided practices better flexibilty to submit animal sample data" - Dr Kirsty Line.

Service supports the APHA by diagnosing animal diseases faster

The APHA is encouraging vets to use its online testing service in a bid to tackle animal diseases.

APHA’s Animal Disease Testing Service (ADTS) allows vets to submit animal sample data and request laboratory tests online no matter where they are in the field.

The service is designed to save vets’ time, support the earlier diagnosis of disease and improve access to sample results.

Dr Kirsty Line, head of surveillance and laboratory services, said: “Since its introduction, ADTS has provided practices better flexibility to submit animal sample data and improved access to results. This supports APHA by diagnosing animal diseases faster.”

She added: “The free postage feature, introduced in 2019, further reduces costs and additional work carried out by practices.”
 
Vets wishing to register for this service can do so at gov.uk or email AnimalDiseaseTesting@apha.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.