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AHVLA issue report on Ramsgate
Procedures altered to prevent repeat incident

After a consignment of 540 sheep were unloaded at the Port of Ramsgate last year, resulting in three sheep drowning and over forty having to be euthanised, farming minister David Heath asked the AHVLA to review its procedures.

The agency was asked to look at its operational procedures and the application of EU welfare rules during livestock transport, to ensure every effort was made to prevent such an incident in the future.

Aspects investigated included the overall handling of the incident, procedures for managing inspections at Ramsgate and how the agency worked alongside other bodies present at the port during inspection. The agency were also requested to look into the contingency arrangements required by the transporter and any additional arrangements that may be needed by the agency as the regulator.

As a result of its review, the AHVLA has issued a report detailing the enhancements to its existing operational practice. According to the report, every consignment passing through Ramsgate will now be inspected, and tougher enforcement of welfare procedures will be employed. The AHVLA plans to implement its own contingency plans in the event of an emergency, should the transporter be unwilling or unable to implement their own plans within two hours.

Procedures will reportedly be improved to ensure an agency vet is within an hour of the port at all times, to assist inspectors should a welfare concern or emergency arise. The AHVLA also plan to work with the operator of the transport vessel in order to develop new contingency measures in the event of an emergency.

Further, the changes that a transporter can make to the journey log of the delivery proper to the export will be restricted. It is felt by the agency this will help to maintain clear records of the animals during the journey.

Click here for the full report.

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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
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.