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Sky lanterns and balloons banned from festival
Sky lanterns are popular with festival go-ers but they have a devastating effect on animal welfare.


BBC Radio One has been praised for banning sky lanterns and balloons at last weekend’s ‘Biggest Weekend’ in Swansea, owing to the danger they pose to animals.

Sky lanterns are popular with festival go-ers but they have a devastating effect on animal welfare, as they can trap, entangle or be ingested by animals. Mass helium balloon releases can also have grave impacts on animals.<br> <br>

The RSPCA led a campaign urging local authorities to ban the release of sky lanterns on their land in Wales - a step that has now been taken by each of the country’s 22 councils. Wildlife expert Llewelyn Lowen said the move is “really positive news for animals in the local area”.

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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.