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Pig producers warned over swine dysentery
Cases reported in North Yorkshire

The detection of more cases of swine dysentery in North Yorkshire has prompted warnings to pig producers that they should be vigilant for more cases and improve protection procedures. Current strains are showing signs of being resistant to medication, making preventative precautions of greater importance than normal.

Commenting, BPEX Veterinary Projects Manager Helen Clarke said “Swine dysentery causes a rapid loss of condition in affected pigs, and eventually loss of stock. Clinical signs affecting growing and finishing pigs include bloody diarrhoea, but for outdoor breeding units, clinical signs may not be evident at all.”

“The bacterium, which cause the disease, live in the large intestine and are passed out in dung. This is why it is so easily spread on boots, vehicles and implements, as well as by rodents and birds, and why hygiene is so important.” she added.

More information is available at the BPEX website.

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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. 

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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.