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Mouse attacks snake to free friend
Image: Hangzhou Zoo
Snake's dinner comes back to bite it

A mouse that tried to save his friend from being eaten by a snake has been freed by zookeepers.

Both mice were being fed to the poisonous snake at China's Hangzhou Zoo. However, the little hero wasn't willing to go without a fight.

According to zoo keepers, mice usually attempt to hide in the enclosure before becoming dinner. The mouse's bravery was therefore very out of character.

"I have never seen anything like that before," said zookeeper Wen Shao, who was responsible for feeding the snake. "Usually the mice keep as far away from the snake as possible but this one caused a lot of damage."

Mr Shao added that the mouse had been given its freedom after the attack, but it was too late for his friend.

Furthermore, the snake is now having to recover from the ordeal.

"We always give the snakes live food… but the mouse attacked the snake when it saw it trying to eat the other mouse," Mr Shao explained.

"It didn't do the snake any good either. It was expensive and the mouse did a lot of damage biting it on the head."

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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
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.