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Underpass built for blue penguins
blue penguins
Blue penguins are the world's smallest penguin, standing at approximately 30cm tall.
Tunnel helps New Zealand penguins avoid cars and tourists 

A colony of little blue penguins in New Zealand now have their own private underpass to protect them from traffic and tourists.

Blue penguins are the world's smallest penguin, standing at approximately 30cm tall and weighing just 1kg. They breed on the coastal mainland and islands of New Zealand and southern Australia.

The blue penguin colony in the South Island town of Oamaru, previously had to cross a busy road to commute between their nests and the sea, putting them at risk from cars and inquisitive tourists.

According to media reports, construction of the tunnel was completed in September and was supported by the local district council, tourism body and private businesses.

Little blue penguins enjoying their new tunnel © Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony:

 

Image by: JJ Harrison (jjharrison89@facebook.com)/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0

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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
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.