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Bristol Vet School seeks prospective dog owners
The UK Dog Project will follow the owners and their dogs over several years.
Study to explore dog ownership as an overall journey

Researchers at Bristol Veterinary School are seeking prospective dog owners for the first in-depth study into the special relationship between dogs and their owners.

Members of the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group would like to hear from people thinking about getting a dog, or those thinking about adding another dog to their family, between now and August 2020.

The UK Dog Project will follow the owners and their dogs over several years, from before getting a dog and then throughout the dog’s life, to learn what affects people’s decisions to get a dog and how the dog-owner relationship develops.

Researchers say the overall aim of the study is to better understand these relationships and the factors that affect them.

“This is an exciting new study that promises to tell us much more about the lives of dogs and their new owners,” explained Nicola Rooney, lecturer and research group supervisor. “We are extremely keen to get as many people involved as possible, so if you, or anyone you know, have any thoughts of getting a new dog, please do fill in the questionnaire."

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting a dog and would like to take part in this study, please visit the UK Dog Project questionnaire

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.