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Public asked to help hoglets with food and water
Hoglets are currently preparing for hibernation.

Around 350 hedgehogs have already come into the SSPCA’s wildlife hospital this season.

The Scottish SPCA is asking the public to help care for young hedgehogs by putting out suitable food and water.

The charity sees an increase in hoglets arriving at its rescue centres every autumn, when hedgehogs can face difficulties finding food as they try to gain weight before hibernation.

Chris Hogsden, manager of the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre, said: “Members of the public can help hoglets have a better chance of thriving by putting a shallow dish of water in the garden.

“They can also leave out hedgehog food or wet cat food, as long as it isn’t in jelly and is not fish based as this isn’t something found in their natural diet.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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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.