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Dog elected as Mayor of Minnesota town
Dog with interviewer

Duke the dog is seven years old and is the new mayor of Cormorant, Minnesota.

Residents of Cormorant, Minnesota have welcomed a seven-year-old dog named Duke as their new Mayor after he won the town's recent election.

According to wday.com, twelve people each paid $1 to cast a vote. David Rick of Cormorant says:  "He follows me wherever I go. His name came up. In fact, I voted for him."

Tricia Maloney of Cormorant added:  "Poor Richard Sherbrook that owns the Cormorant store, he didn't even have half as many votes as Duke did."

After winning, Duke received five hours of grooming and a brand new outfit. As for his salary, a pet food shop is donating a year's supple of kibble to reward him for his service.

Duke, who was sworn in on Saturday during Cormorant's annual fair, is far from the youngest recent mayor in Minnesota.  A young boy called Bobby Tufts won the post when he was just three years of age.  He recently lost his bid for a third consecutive term to 16-year old Eric Mueller of Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

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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.