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Change to Approved Finishing Unit testing announced
Reform to 'reduce unnecessary burdens' announced

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has announced that cattle on English active Approved Finishing Units (AFUs) that are traced from a holding where a new TB breakdown has occurred will no longer be required to undergo testing for the purposes of tracing unless this is deemed necessary by a veterinary risk assessment.

This change will take place with immediate effect, but does not in any way alter the obligation of the herd owner to undertake regular testing of cattle on an AFU every ninety days (in England only, if with grazing) or every six months as is appropriate to the case.

It is understood that the Welsh Government is also considering the adoption of similar measures in Wales. The decision follows a general trend towards an approach to Tuberculosis control that emphasises risk-based strategies and the reduction of superfluous burdens. 

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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.