News

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.

Vaccination is the only way to protect herds and flocks against increasing cases of Bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV-3), veterinary and livestock industry leaders have said.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) and Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) urge livestock farmers to think twice before applying dips, insecticides or repellents to their livestock in the hope of preventing infection with bluetongue virus (BTV) transmitted by midges. These products are not licensed for this purpose, and there is no evidence that they can kill Culicoides midges quickly enough to prevent infection or sustain protection against onward transmission.

Blue tongue virus update – we are seeing significant reports of cases of BTV, with the South West being a hotspot at the moment, with many cases being reported over the weekend!

VMD launches new digital service for reporting problems with animal medicines

New service makes adverse event reporting easier and more efficient than ever.

A practical online short course has been designed to help sustainably manage haemonchosis using the FAMACHA scoring method.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) is urging sheep farmers to pause and assess before reaching for a routine Nematodirus treatment this spring. Warm spring weather means many lowland areas have passed the peak Nematodirus hatch before many lambs were old enough to be grazing.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) is pleased to announce that from today (Monday 13th April) it will be hosting a Blowfly Emergence Forecast on its website. This decision support tool will help sheep farmers take a proactive approach to flystrike prevention, providing an early warning, prompting close inspection and preventative strategies.

The latest Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) Nematodirus Hatching Forecast shows a mixed picture across the UK. In many parts of England, the midlands and south Wales, hatching is nearing, or at peak and in southern England we are already past peak hatching (as designated by a red triangle), in several areas, which means the main risk period has passed.

In collaboration with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), APHA is working with diagnostic laboratories to better understand antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the livestock sector

Sheep farmers are being urged to take part in an industry-wide lambing survey this spring to help build a clearer picture of the challenges facing the sector, from disease threats and vaccine supply issues to unpredictable weather and other emerging pressures.

The UK Lambing Survey 2026 is being led by the University of Nottingham and Fiona Lovatt of Flock Health Ltd, who also chairs the Sheep Antibiotic Guardian Group (SAGG).

With great sadness we need to inform you that Agnes Winter passed away in early December 2025.

I know many of you knew well, had worked with Agnes or been taught by her. She was a fantastic member of our profession and had inspired many, me very much included. We were delighted that Agnes was at Sheep Veterinary Society autumn conference in Llandrindod this September.