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Guide for poultry farmers
Advice released on keeping hens feathered

A four-page guide that shows poultry farmers how to help prevent feather-loss in laying hens has been released.

The booklet has been put together jointly by the RSPCA, the Soil Association and the University of Bristol, in order to help combat what they say is a "key welfare issue".

Feather-loss takes number of management strategies to combat, according to the guide. It says that the most common reason hens lose feathers is due to other hens pecking them, usually because of limited foraging opportunities and poor litter quality.

The guide, which covers the causes of feather loss, best practice for keeping free-range, barn and organic hens with good feather cover, and managing a feather-loss problem, is fully supported by the British Egg Industry Council.

RSPCA senior scientific officer for farm animals, Alice Clark, said: "We are so pleased to be part of such a positive collaborative effort to hep find solutions to this key welfare issue affecting laying hens."

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk