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Blue Cross launches Big Pet Census
The Big Pet Census will help to shape the support Blue Cross offers to pets and owners.

The charity is urging pet owners to take part. 

National animal welfare charity Blue Cross is encouraging pet owners to take part in its Big Pet Census, marking the organisation's 125th anniversary.

The census, taking the form of an online survey, will help Blue Cross to learn more about the UK's pets, and the human-animal bond. 

Questions asked on the census include how owners show their pets love, and how pets demonstrate reciprocal love. Participants are also asked about their views on the UK pet industry, what welfare they provide for their pets, and whether they feel that their pet was a support to them during the COVID-19 pandemic, among other topics.

The results of the census will be used by the charity to shape and inform the support it offers to pets and families, and will be shared publicly for a wider understanding of the UK's 34 million pets, and the roles they play in their owners' lives. 

Encouraging pet owners to complete the census, Chris Burghes, CEO at Blue Cross, said: “We are really proud to have changed millions of lives in our 125-year history but the need for our help is growing all the time.

“No one knows your pet quite like you do and now you can share your knowledge to help make this an even better world for pets and the people who love them by taking part in our Big Pet Census. 

“Your responses to the census will help us learn as much as possible about pet ownership to inform our work to improve pet welfare and support people.”

To find out more about why the Blue Cross is holding The Big Pet Census 2022, or to fill in the census, visit the Blue Cross website here.  

 

Image (C) Blue Cross

 

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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.