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Bog spavin report published
Causes of bog spavin in Clydesdales need to be recognised by owners

A survey conducted by Martin Weaver and Laura Wilant of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has suggested that owners of Clydesdale horses need to be more aware of the causes of bog spavin.

The survey looked at the commonness of bog spavin and how owners of Clydesdale horses deal with it. The survey, conducted in both the UK and the USA, indicated that 10% of the 935 horses show signs of bog spavin, a problem affecting the chronic fluid distension of the hock joint.

The owners' approach to the condition in the UK indicated nearly half of the affected horses were not investigated at all and with just 12.2% receiving radiographic examination. However, in the USA over 75% of horses received some investigation and 37.7% of affected horses underwent radiographic examination.

It is believed some of the cases of bog spavin identified in the survey could be due to undetected osteochondrosis. The authors argue that if more owners knew about the possible causes of bog spavin they might be more likely to investigate and therefore identify those horses with osteochondrosis. Arthroscopic surgery could then be offered to appropriate cases to reduce the risk of this condition.

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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.