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Further avian flu cases confirmed
A UK-wide avian flu housing order was announced in November.
Chief vet issues urgent plea for biosecurity action. 

Further outbreaks of avian flu have been confirmed in Lincolnshire and Hampshire.

The outbreaks come as the UK faces its largest outbreak ever of avian flu, with more than 60 cases confirmed since the beginning of November. 

The most recent outbreak was identified at premises near Romsey, Test Valley.  Cases were also confirmed over the festive period in King’s Lynn, West Norfolk and East Lindsey.

Last week, the UK’s chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss called on poultry keepers to undertake the urgent biosecurity measures needed to keep their birds safe and prevent the further spread of the disease. 

She said: “We have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease including introducing housing measures. However, we are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases both on commercial farms and in backyard birds right across the country.

“Implementing scrupulous biosecurity has never been more critical. You must regularly clean and disinfect your footwear and clothes before entering enclosures, stop your birds mixing with any wild birds and only allow visitors that are strictly necessary.”

A UK-wide avian flu housing order was announced in November, making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers to keep their flocks indoors. 

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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.