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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th March 2012
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MEPs vote to end EU-US trade war
Long-awaited normalisation of trade in beef predicted

MEPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of raising the EU's quality beef import quota to 48,200 tons after the US Department of Agriculture published a draft Bill to bring US bovine import conditions into line with the World Organisations for Animal Health's (OIE) own standards on BSE, thus signalling the conclusion of a long-running trade war. The final count stood at 650 votes in favour, 11 abstentions and 11 voting against, and the approval took place at the first reading. The new import quota will come into force in August 2012.

Welcoming the news, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl (A German MEP responsible for drafting the report which was voted upon) said “This long-lasting trading dispute will end today. This is a win-win resolution for the EU. Parliament has taken a step that will enable the EU agricultural industry to plan ahead again and that will strengthen transatlantic trade links.”

The vote has also been warmly welcomed by the UK farming sector, which stands to gain from the improved trading conditions and renewed access to the large US market. Commenting, National Farmer's Union Chief Livestock Advisor Peter Garbutt said “This move would open up further export opportunities for UK producers and I believe we can be positive and optimistic about our market prospects in the future.”

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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.