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AHVLA stop sheep transport lorry
Inspection at Ramsgate could lead to prosecution

A lorry transporting sheep was stopped at Ramsgate port on Wednesday 12th September after officers from the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) found a number of the sheep were injured.

All the animals were unloaded under the supervision of AHVLA animal health officers and were examined by AHVLA vets, who ascertained that several were lame and unfit to travel.

They remained at Ramsgate overnight to monitor the welfare of the animals until a replacement vehicle arrived to return them to a Northamptonshire premises.

Will Creswell, South East Regional Operations Director for the AHVLA, said: “AHVLA takes its responsibilities for animal welfare during transport extremely seriously. That is why our animal health officers undertake checks on vehicles when animals arrive at the port of Ramsgate. Live animal transporters must comply with welfare regulations and vehicles must be fit for purpose. We will refer all serious welfare infringements to Trading Standards for enforcement action, which could lead to prosecution.”

AHVLA is working with Kent Trading Standards Department to fully investigate all potential breaches of animal welfare regulations.  

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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.