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Swine forum looks at disease control
Over 200 pig experts discuss PCVD and Swine Influenza

Over 230 swine pathology experts, veterinarians and researchers from more than 28 countries took part in a Swine Forum, held in Berlin in early June. The aim of the forum was to discuss whether PCVD and Swine Influenza are under control.

The two pathologies were the subjects of at least 13 presentations, and it became clear that vaccination has caused a considerable reduction on the impact of pathogens on the technico-economic performance of farms, as well as less use of antibiotics.

Vaccination was described as "the strongest weapon of all the control the reduction in antibiotic consumption," by Sophie Randoux, of Merial.

She went on to add: “Vaccines against PCV2 and swine influenza have already broadly proved themselves, as illustrated by the diverse presentations of the Forum, coming from both fundamental science and practical field experience. Nevertheless, more studies are absolutely necessary, especially in the field of diagnostics, the prevalence of contaminants, and vaccination schedules which need to be even better adapted to different field situations."

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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.