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Weird and wonderful rescues of 2014
stick insect
RSPCA reveals its oddest rescue missions

A praying mantis, a wallaby and an emu are among the most unusual animals to be rescued by the RSPCA last year.

Other weird and wonderful creatures to be rescued were an axolotyl, crabs, marmosets, a wolf, stick insects and a rare panther chameleon.

A whopping 27 tarantulas were also helped by the charity, as well as a deadly funnel web spider.

A red lory called Romeo caused quite a flap last year when he escaped from his home and was caught tucking into a slice of watermelon at a local fruit and veg shop.

The charity also took in a seal - later named Dumbledore - who was mysteriously found on a farm 20 miles from the sea.

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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. 

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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.