News
Keep up-to-date with the latest news.
Scottish Government has previously provided funding for vets to provide awareness raising for small producers (up to 30 hectares) in Scotland on the latest lamb castration and tail docking guidance. We are pleased to be able to re-open the scheme, and are inviting vets to apply for funding to hold awareness raising sessions.
At our recent conference in Kilkenny, we were delighted to recognise outstanding contributions to sheep health, welfare, and the work of the Society through our awards.
After a warm, dry summer in many areas, the recent shift to damper conditions has kept blowfly strike on the agenda for many sheep farmers. With September and October temperatures above average in places, flies remain active, and the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is encouraging flock owners not to assume the risk has passed.
Jonathan Hobbs became the new President of the Sheep Veterinary Society during the Autumn Conference held in Kilkenny, Ireland from 28th – 30th September. Jonathan takes over the role from Phillipa Page who becomes Senior Vice President as Kim Hamer retires from the committee. Joining the officials is new Junior Vice President Rachel Forster.
This is your chance to share how your farm would be affected by the changes and make practical suggestions.
The changes have been developed in line with the sector board priorities by the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Technical Advisory Committees, made up of representatives from across the supply chain, and agreed by the respective Sector Boards.
GOV.UK news item on the detection of Shamonda virus (SHAV) in cattle in Jersey, which was published today. APHA has detected Shamonda virus in cattle in Jersey and continues to work with UK and international partners to improve understanding of the spread and impact.
Following the recent notice by Axiom regarding the sheep scab serology test, the Wales Veterinary Science Centre and Moredun Research Institute wanted to provide a brief update and reassurance to our clients. Please see below for full information.
The Sheep Veterinary Society have issued Guidelines on the examination of rams for breeding – BTV update – issued 27th August 2026 for use in addition to SVS standard advise
The circulating BTV3 variant in South West England has prompted discussion on social media forums leading to comments that the likelihood of midge-biting sheep and therefore BTV3 infection will be reduced in fully fleeced sheep and that farmers should not sheep their sheep to reduce risks*.
The National Sheep Association (NSA) and the Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) are working together to provide helpful, practical guidance for UK farmers as the number of bluetongue (BTV) cases continue to rise and we approach the time of year when breeding and store sheep sales peak.