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Scottish SPCA appeals for help with 'hungry hoglets'
The charity is currently caring for 80 to 90 hoglets.

The charity is asking for donations to help feed the baby hedgehogs in its care. 

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for pet food donations to help feed the hungry hoglets currently in its care.

The charity is currently caring for between 80 to 90 hoglets, and are requesting donations of Royal Canin Starter Mousse, which contains vital nutrition for the hoglets during rehabilitation. 

Scottish SPCA assistant manager April Sorley commented: “Generally hedgehogs produce young twice a year but we are seeing this go on longer due to the changes in weather. 

“Many of these little hoglets need to be hand-reared so will need to be fed every three to four hours.

“Most of the hoglets will stay with us for around two months until they have grown and gained weight. Then they should be ready to be returned to the wild where they belong.”

She also commented on how the public can help hoglets in the wild, saying: “At this time of year we are urging people to take extra care when tidying up their gardens. Many hedgehogs come to us injured by garden equipment or a nest of hoglets can be uncovered.

“If anyone does accidentally injure a hedgehog, or find a hoglet, then they should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice.”

The charity is asking for donations to be handed in to its centre located at Fishcross, FK10 3AN. However, online donations are also gratefully received, and can be done via the Scottish SPCA's Amazon wishlist, or any other retailer offering delivery. 

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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.