Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Get knitting for The Donkey Sanctuary
Some of the 'woolleys' that have been knitted already.
The Donkey Sanctuary is challenging keen knitters to turn their needles towards creating a herd of knitted donkeys to raise money for the charity.

Since they first arrived at the Sanctuary, the adorable knitted donkeys have been growing in popularity every year. They are knitted by supporters and then sold in both the Sanctuary visitors’ centre and via the online gift shop to raise funds to support the charity.

Community fundraising manager, Marian Gumbrell, says “We are thrilled with the success of these lovable characters; our amazing supporters have shown, once again, they can literally turn their hands to anything. Due to the overwhelming success of our knitted donkeys, we now need more supporters to get knitting and help raise money for the work that we do providing sanctuary for needy donkeys.”

To receive a free copy of either knitting pattern, with full instructions, for a ‘Woolley’ (24cm/9 inch high) or ‘Mini Woolley’ (12cm/5inches high), contact Ruth in the community fundraising department on 01395 578222.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.