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Fake eye for bullied fish
fish surgery
Vets attached a taxidermy eye using nylon sutures and titanium clips.

US vets perform surgery to prevent bullying

A one-eyed fish has undergone surgery to attach a new prosthetic eye to stop it being bullied by other fish.

The copper rockfish had to have one of its eyes removed when it developed cataracts, but other fish began to show aggression towards it.

Dr Martin Haulena, head vet at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, used a taxidermy eye to replace the real eye.

Working alongside Dr Lesanna Lahner, Seattle Aquarium's head vet, Dr Haulena attached a taxidermy eye to the bone above the eye socket using nylon sutures and titanium clips.

According to Vancouver Aquarium, the surgery was successful in preventing the bullying behaviour and the rockfish is once again on display at the centre.

The surgery had never been performed at the aquarium before, but a yellowtail rockfish has since undergone the same procedure.

To watch the video of the surgery, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og70cLV04uo

Image ©Vancouver Aquarium/Danny Kent

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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.