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'Micro' pigs - Farm animals or pets?
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Defra produces guide for 'Micro' pig owners to remind people that the pigs are still classed as farm animals.

Many owners and potential owners consider these animals as pets similar to dogs and cats but actually they are farmed animals in the eyes of the law and subject to the same rules and regulations as pigs kept in commercial livestock herds.

Defra's guide discusses certain regulations that are in place to deal with contagious diseases which pigs are highly susceptible to. If anyone is thinking about keeping a 'micro' pig as a pet, this leaflet asks you to consider whether your home environment will allow you to properly cater for its needs and welfare.

For more information check out the leaflet here.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

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 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.