Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th April 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

'Chief cuddler' sought for baby wombat
wombat
The tiny marsupial is being cared for by wombat experts on Flinders Island in Tasmania, Australia.
Tourism Tasmania launches online competition
 
An online competition has been launched to find a 'chief cuddler' for a baby wombat.

The tiny marsupial is being cared for by wombat experts on Flinders Island in Tasmania, Australia. Just eight months old, the youngster has been named 'Derek' after being rescued from his mother's pouch when she was hit by a car.

An online video of Derek has since turned him into an internet celebrity.

The competition is being run by Tourism Tasmania, which promotes the region. The winner will be flown with a friend from their nearest Australian capital city to Flinders Island, which they will spend three nights exploring.

Despite the promising title of 'chief wombat cuddler', Tourism Tasmania's Phil Souter told the BBC that any access to Derek will be at the discretion of his handler and will be "very carefully monitored by his handler and carer".

Much will also depend on Derek's mood as wombats are "rambunctious little creatures," Mr Souter added.

For more information visit: http://gobehindthescenery.com.au/insiders-guide/competition/#.Vw4tp3DzfJz

Video still © Sean Scott Photography/Youtube

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.