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Orphaned otter cubs found wandering streets of Inverkeithing
The cubs (pictured), named Inver and Forth, were found in Inverkeithing on 6 February.

Scottish SPCA cares for cubs at National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Two otter cubs are currently being cared for by the Scottish SPCA after they were found wandering the streets by members of the public on Saturday 6 February.

The cubs – one male and one female – are around three to four months old. The Scottish SPCA suspects that their mother was involved in a road traffic accident or some other disturbance and didn't make it back to the cubs.

They were spotted wandering down the road in Inverkeithing on Saturday night. The female cub was followed to a nearby field by members of the public, who then contacted the rescue charity.

Centre manager Steven Gray said: “The pair wouldn’t have survived on their own as they rely on mum so we are thankful the members of the public contacted us.

“The female has been named Inver and the male has been called Forth.

“They will stay with us until they are around 12 to 14-months-old, just like with mum in the wild. We will teach them how to feed and take care of themselves and will release them when they are ready.”

The charity reminded members of the public not to approach an otter if they spot them as the animal may feel threatened and use its strong bite to defend itself.

Instead anyone who finds an otter that they suspect needs help should monitor it from a safe distance and then contact the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Image (c) Scottish SPCA.

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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.