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Russian cows given virtual reality headsets to improve mood
Early tests are reported to have improved "the overall emotional mood of the herd”.
Experiment taking place on a farm in the Ramensky District

A farm in Russia is using virtual reality headsets to help reduce anxiety in its dairy cows.

According to BBC News, the VR headsets have been adapted for the "structural features of cow heads" and feature a "unique summer field simulation program".

It follows research by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MAF), which found a strong link between a cow’s emotions and how much milk it produces.

Early tests are reported to have improved "the overall emotional mood of the herd”.

A statement from the MAF reads: "Examples of dairy farms from different countries show that in a calm atmosphere, the quantity, and sometimes the quality, of milk increases markedly.”

The experiment is reported to be taking place at RusMoloko farm in the Ramensky District of Moscow.

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Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Government releases latest bluetongue statistics

APHA has confirmed the number of bluetongue cases that have been logged in the UK since 1 July 2026.

The total number of BTV-3 cases, as of 6 August, is 187. This includes 183 cases in England and four cases in Wales.

There have been no recorded cases in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The location of premises in Great Britain where at least one animal has tested positive by PCR for BTV-3, BTV-8 or BTV-12 is available on the bluetongue case map. All livestock keepers in Great Britain are urged to familiarise themselves with nation-specific bluetongue control policies.

Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. It is a legal requirement that any suspicions, even if livestock has been vaccinated, are reported immediately.