News

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 vets and vet students across the UK, has published an open letter co-signed with 19 other veterinary organisations calling for the continuation of Cambridge Vet School, which is threatened with closure.

A survey launched as part of the ruminant roadmap initiative is seeking the views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship (ABS).  

Fertility and scanning rate information for sheep scanners.

To help support those working as sheep scanners with clear information about bluetongue and other issues impacting scanning rates, the RH&W Bluetongue Working Group are compiling a list of resources for scanners to use.

Wishing all our members and industry supporters a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Thank you for your continued support.

Our opening hours over the holiday period – we close at 5pm on Monday 22nd December and open again on Monday 5th January 2026.

Following on from the first BTV-3 impact survey which ran last year via Rachael Tarlinton at University of Nottingham, the 2025 version – which includes further vaccination questions – is now live.

The APHA surveillance network recorded several cases of deformed stillborn lambs and calves associated with SBV infection in the 2024/25 lambing and calving season.

RUMA Agriculture is running a series of four FREE online webinars throughout November 2025 covering a range of industry topics which will include the launch of the final Targets Task Force 2 Report plus the unveiling of the new Targets Task Force 3 Targets. More details on each of the four webinars as well as booking links are below.
Don’t delay – secure your tickets today!

Phillipa Page became the new President of the Sheep Veterinary Society during the Autumn Conference held in Llandrindod Wells from 22nd – 24th September 2025. Phillipa takes over the role from Kim Hamer who becomes Senior Vice President as Joe Henry retires from the committee. Joining the officials is new Junior Vice President Jonathan Hobbs.

Vets can sign up to get text or email alerts from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for animal health threats for livestock and small animals.

In line with industry advice, from 12 noon on 21 September 2025, some movement restrictions will be eased for all animals vaccinated against Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 (BTV-3) moving from the restricted zone into Wales. This change follows requests from the livestock industry and aims to support its operations while maintaining disease control.

Update from SRUC: Lymph Node Aplasia In Scottish Blackface Lambs

This condition has now been diagnosed in lambs from ten Scottish blackface flocks.  Affected lambs appear healthy until they develop severe orf between the ages of two and six months.  They do not respond to treatment and if they are not euthanased will continue to lose weight and die.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is excited to announce the launch of season 3 of the SCOPS podcast, with episode 1 now available on all major platforms.