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James Herriot of Helmand
Captain Malone has the nickname of the James Herriot of Helmand.
In war-torn Helmand Province a British vet is working with Afghan farmers to improve the health of their livestock and quality of life. This documentary makes for inspiring viewing…

Following a phone call from Major Paul Smith in Afghanistan, the Country Channel was given special access to footage of Army vet Captain Miles Malone, a vet posted to Helmand Province to provide veterinary services for the working dogs operating in the area. Captain Malone and other colleagues are currently developing veterinary clinics and a vaccination programme to help local farmers and shepherds improve the health of their livestock.

The pioneering new vet clinic, which operates in desert communities and villages, offers local farmers and shepherds the opportunity to vaccinate their animals, which has positive outcomes not just for the livestock, but also for the community as a whole.  It’s a practical and sure fire way of winning the hearts and minds battle with Afghans.

Nicknamed the James Herriot of Helmand, Captain Malone is clearly passionate about the project and is enthused by its success: “In two and a half months this is my third trip out to treat the local livestock, he told the Country Channel. “What we are doing directly improves the quality of the milk, and meat that animals are providing. Improving the village farmers’ diet and standard of living has a bearing on their own health and that of their community.”

Watch the short documentary film, ‘The Right Approach’, online via The Country Channel. The film will also be broadcast on Sky Channel 171 later in the spring – a longer feature film is in the pipeline…

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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.