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Vet to take on ‘toughest footrace on earth’
The Marathon Des Sables is described as 'the toughest footrace on earth'.

Kerry Allison to trek the Sahara Desert for Breast Cancer Care

A vet who survived cancer is set to take on ‘the toughest footrace on earth’ to raise funds for Breast Cancer Care.

Kerry Allison will be taking part in this years’ Marathon Des Sables - a gruelling multi-stage trek through the Saraha Desert. With temperatures reaching more than 50 degrees centigrade, Kerry will also be required to carry everything that she needs to survive, except water, on her back.

Writing on her JustGiving page, Ms Allison said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Sept 2013, three days before my 40th birthday. I underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“The years following my diagnosis were difficult, leading to my 17-year relationship with my partner breaking down.”

She continued: “Running (and biking) along with the friends I've made have always played a significant part in my life to help me through the good and the bad times. I needed something to challenge me away from my professional and personal life and their difficulties.”

Ranked by the Discovery Channel as the 'toughest footrace on earth', the Marathon Des Sables is now in its 30th year. Competitors come from all over the world to compete in the race, covering a staggering 251km over the course of seven days (the equivalent of five and a half marathons).

At the time of writing, Kerry had received 46 per cent of her £4,000 target. To support Kerry and make a donation, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerry-allison

Image (C) Kaisove/Wikimedia Commons

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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.