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Paddling Paws to Raise Money
Six swimming dogs are taking part in a 12 -hour sponsored swimathon in aid of the Animal Health Trust (AHT).

Joined by members of the AHT’s small animal Hydrotherapy unit, the 12-strong swimming team are hoping to raise £5,000 towards a water treadmill.
 
The treadmill will enable the AHT’s Hydrotherapy unit to treat many more dogs and cats. It will not only help to lessen pain and stiffness, it will also enable the unit to treat a wider range of painful conditions.
 
Jo Handley-Howard, Head of Hydrotherapy at the AHT, said: “10 minutes swimming in the pool is the equivalent of 40 minutes exercise on land so this is quite an undertaking - not just for the dogs, but for us humans too!!
 
“We swim all types of dogs in our hydrotherapy pool - from Jack Russells to Great Danes and St Bernards. Many of these have been referred to us in their golden years suffering with arthritis and muscle wastage. A new water treadmill will complement the existing pool and mean we can help many more dogs to be pain-free.”
 
The dynamic doggy-paddlers will be undertaking the challenge on Monday 21 June 2010 and are looking for sponsors to support them.
 
You can find out more about the AHT’s swimming dogs: Alfie, Bailey, Molly, Skye, Julie, Barley, their human counterparts and how to sponsor the team by clicking here

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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.