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Avian flu in Scotland confirmed as highly pathogenic
Disease control zones can be checked via APHA's interactive map.
Measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the disease. 

The pathogenicity of avian influenza H5N1 in a flock of birds in Scotland's Angus constituency has been established.

The strain was confirmed yesterday as highly pathogenic (HPAI H5N1), and a 3km Protection Zone, 10km Surveillance Zone and 10km Restricted Zone have been put in place around the infected premises. 

Those with birds can check where disease control zones are located, and whether they are in a zone, via the Animal and Plant Health Agency interactive map. Further information on the measures that apply in each zone can be found here

Yesterday (4 November) an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was introduced across the whole of the UK, following a number of detections of the disease, with bird keepers now legally required to follow strict biosecurity measures. 

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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. 

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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.