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Vet School Launching Horse Feed Survey
Nottingham Vet School is launching a study into equine supplements.

A research team from the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science is appealing for horse riders and owners to come forward to take part in a unique new study into equine nutritional supplements, in the hope of improving understanding of key health and performance issues.

The survey also aims to discover what supplements are currently used, what riders and owners would like to see available and the best ways of passing on information about them.

The study is being supervised by Dr Sarah Freeman, Associate Professor and European Specialist in Large Animal Surgery at the university.

She said: "Nutritional supplements are commonly used for health and performance in horses and there are a large range of them available on the market. Despite their widespread use, these is little information available about which supplements are used and why."

Riders and owners are being asked to fill in an online survey. The researchers will then follow up with selected volunteers who will be interviewed to explore some of the issues in greater depth.

To access the survey, click 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.