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Bats drop from the sky in heatwave
Image bat
Australian health officials urge caution

Thousands of bats are reportedly dropping from the sky in Queensland, Australia, thought to be a result of recent extreme temperatures.

Heat stress due to severe weather has been blamed for the recent spate of bat deaths. As a result, wildlife groups say there has been a rise in the number of bats and flying foxes in suburban areas, searching for food and water.

Officials from Queensland Health say there has been an increase of 250 per cent in the number of people reporting exposure to bat bites and scratches since the beginning of 2013.

Chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young says the majority of these exposures occur when people attempt to handle injured, trapped or sick bats.

Recent reports of bat deaths have prompted Dr Young to issue a warning to members of the public not to touch the animals, but to contact the RSPCA or local wildlife care group.

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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
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.