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Children rescue badger stuck in a pit
The pit inside the old pump house where the badger was discovered.

The RSPCA has applauded the actions of three boys from Sussex that saved a badger found in a 20ft-deep pit. Eleven-year-old brothers Elias and Idris, and their friend Aaron, discovered the stricken animal in an old pump house whilst helping on their elderly neighbour’s farm.

After spotting the badger, the boys rushed home to fetch a boiled egg and a chicken water trough and lowered them down into the pit and poured water through a hose from a watering can. The boys’ parents then called the RSPCA for help.

RSPCA inspector Liz Wheeler used her extendable net to scoop the badger out of the pit and, after examining the animal, released him back into the wild. “The three boys were lovely and did an amazing job helping this badger," she said. “I’d like to say a big well done and thank you to them - they saved this badger’s life!”

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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.