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World's oldest cat dies aged 24
poppy
Poppy has passed away aged 24.

Elderly feline lived through five Prime Ministers

The world's oldest feline has passed away at the grand old age of 24. Only last month, Poppy was officially recognised at the world's oldest living feline by the Guinness World Records.

Born in February 1990, she came into the world the same month Nelson Mandela was released from prison. She also lived through five British Prime Ministers.

Poppy is said to have passed away following a water infection and a problem with her hind legs.

Poppy had two owners throughout her life. At the age of five, she was adopted by Maguerite Corner and her daughter Jacqui. Aged 10, she moved in with Jacqui and her future husband Andy West.

The couple went on to have two sons, Joe, 11 and Toby, eight. Poppy also shared her home with four other cats, two rabbits and a hamster.

Despite her age, owner Jacqui said Poppy was still "feisty" and definitely the "top cat".

Image courtesy of Guinness World Records.

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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.