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PFMA monitoring canine DCM investigation
PFMA is advising owners to look for the term 'complete' on their pet food labels.

The organisation is aware of current FDA research and investigation. 

The Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), alongside the European pet food federation (FEDIAF) is monitoring investigations into canine dilated cardiomyopathy (Canine CDM).

Canine CDM is a primary disease of cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to generate pressure to pump blood through the vascular system.

The investigation being monitored started in 2018, and is being held by the USA-based Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is investigating causes of canine dilated myopathy, and is currently looking into specific dietary ingredients as a potential cause. 


As reported by PFMA, the FDA has said that “most of the diets associated with the reports of non-hereditary DCM have legume seed ingredients, also called “pulses” (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.), high in their ingredient lists.” 

Despite this, however, the FDA has stressed that there is no evidence to suggests that pulse ingredients are inherently harmful to dogs.

As there is no information suggesting a similar issue with pulses in the UK or in Europe, PFMA is advising owners to continue to feed their pets with a complete and balanced diet, with pet food made by reputable manufacturers. 

PFMA and FEDIAF will continue to monitor the investigation. 

 

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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.