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Cat running for US Senate
Hank - image: ibtimes.com
Unconventional campaign gathers momentum

The retirement of Senator James 'Jim' Webb (D-Va), formerly Secretary of the Navy under the late President Reagan, recipient of the prestigious Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving in the Vietnam War and retired officer of the United States Marine Corps, has occasioned several campaigns to replace him. Former State Governors Tim Kaine (Democrat) and George Allen (Republican) are both running for the vacant Senate seat. However, an independent candidate running on a platform of job creation, protection of consumer data and 'milk in every bowl' has come forward – Hank the cat.

Hank, 9, lives in Springfield, Va. and was rescued from a life on the streets by Animal Allies, a volunteer organisation based in nearby Fairfax Station, before his adoption by a local family.  Anyone interested in working for Hank's campaign is invited to volunteer and every additional like on Hank's Facebook page will lead to a $1 dollar donation to the Fairfax County Humane Society.

In a statement on Hank's website, a spokesperson for the campaign said “A proud Independent, Hank brings real world experience, a unique point of view, and limitless energy to the office. He is devoted to ensuring small business growth and furthering his family-centered policies. He is also a tireless advocate for issues such as supporting low cost spaying/neutering in order to decrease the homeless animal population. His many advocates enthusiastically support Hank’s candidacy and look forward to an exciting Senate campaign.”

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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.