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Government announces support for Ukrainian refugees with pets
Ukrainian nationals will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government.
Costs of vaccination, microchipping and quarantine will be covered.

Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK with their pets will have their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs covered by the government, it has been confirmed.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced today (15 March) that it has introduced new emergency support for those fleeing Ukraine with their pets.

A statement reads: 'Using an emergency licence, Ukrainian nationals can bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs met by the government. 

'The government will also be covering their vaccination, microchipping and quarantine costs, recognising that many Ukrainian individuals will not have been able to complete the full health preparations required for their pet on arrival. '

A pet that has not been vaccinated against rabies may be quarantined for up to four months. Defra said that it will consider pets 'on a case by case basis, with a shortened quarantine period for those that are vaccinated.' 

'We are working with vets and quarantine facilities to make sure that the arrival of Ukrainians in the UK is not delayed by the process to make arrangements for their pets,' the statement continued.

Ukrainian nationals are encouraged to contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency at pettravel@apha.gov.uk or call +44 3000 200 301 option 2 before their arrival. They will then be able to confirm their approval for their emergency licence and arrange any quarantine stays required to complete the rabies risk management process. 

Owing to the limited number of quarantine facilities in the UK, those fleeing Ukraine with their pets will be prioritised over animals brought over on a commercial basis, which includes rescue imports.

Animal welfare minister Lord Goldsmith said: “Ukrainian nationals are in an appalling situation. I’m pleased that Ukrainian refugees will be able to bring their pets to the UK with any quarantine costs paid for by the Government.

“As part of our new streamlined process, any animals which have already received some treatment may also have their stay in quarantine reduced and be returned back to their owner as soon as possible.”

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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.