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Weather providing 'near perfect' conditions for fluke
Fluke and worms thriving

According to August's National Animal Disease Information Service parasite forecast, this summer's weather is providing 'near perfect' conditions for flukes and worms to thrive. The predicted return of wetter conditions is also set to continue the accelerated rate of parasite developments.

The forecast suggests that wet summers are associated with an increased risk of liver fluke disease during autumn and winter. June rainfall can often prove useful to gauge the likely prevalence of fluke disease in the autumn, and the conditions this year indicate that there could well be a high risk of fluke in 2012/13.

Fiona MacGillivray, veterinary advisor with Merial Animal Health, said that it is more important than ever that treatments against worms and flukes are considered in cattle at grass. 

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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.