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Funding Awarded to Analyse Insect- and Tick-Borne Diseases
The Institute for Animal Health (IAH), an institute of the BBSRC, in partnership with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA), has been awarded £90,000 by Defra to analyse the threat posed to UK livestock and horses from insect- and tick-borne viruses, and the UK's capability to respond to these threats.

These viruses are highly responsive to environmental change, as illustrated by the recent emergence of bluetongue virus in Europe and West Nile virus in the US. Whilst some of these viruses cause only mild disease or would be unlikely to spread in the UK, others could result in the deaths of tens of thousands of animals - such as African horse sickness virus, which kills up to 90% of the horses it infects.

The scientists will identify the greatest threats to the UK and produce an up-to-date inventory of national facilities and expertise. They will also highlight areas where knowledge is lacking, and suggest priorities for future research. This is in line with Defra's "Evidence Investment Strategy" of using scientific evidence to identify emerging issues and to support decision-making.

The six-month project, which has just begun, is led by Dr Anthony Wilson (IAH) and Professor Tony Fooks (VLA). More information can be found 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.