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Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) - Case Confirmed
Defra has confirmed a case of EVA
Defra has today reported a confirmed case of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) in a stallion in West Sussex.

Breeding restrictions have been put in place on the infected stallion and investigations have begun, to establish the likely origin of the infection, as well as any mares that may have been affected as well.  The disease is being controlled in line with the industry agreed Horse Betting Levy Board (HBLB) Codes of Practice.

There are no human health implications associated with this disease.


What is EVA?

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) is a contagious disease caused by the equine arteritis virus (EVA). The virus occurs worldwide including mainland Europe. 

There are no human health implications associated with this disease.

Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) is a disease which is notifiable in the UK,  by law under The Equine Viral Arteritis Order 1995 made under section 88 of the Animal Health Act 1981.
Under the Order, anyone who owns, manages, inspects or examines a horse must notify their local Animal Health office when:
    •    they suspect the disease in a stallion, either on the basis of clinical signs or following blood or semen testing;
    •     they suspect disease, either on the basis of clinical signs or following blood testing, in a stallion or mare that has been mated or artificially inseminated within the past 14 days.

Full details of the exact notification requirements are in the EVA Order 1995.

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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.