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Superstar chickens prepare for the red carpet
Chicken
The chickens are owned by traditional farmer Kenny Gracey who runs Forthill Farm in Tandragee.

Boogaloo and Graham nominated for live action short Oscar

Two chickens, who star in the oscar-nominated film Boogaloo and Graham, are preparing to strut their stuff down the Hollywood red carpet.

Filmed entirely in Northern Ireland, Boogaloo and Graham is set in 1970s Belfast and follows two young boys who discover the facts of life, aided by their pet chickens.  The film has received an Oscar nomination in the live action short category.

The chickens are owned by traditional farmer Kenny Gracey who runs Forthill Farm in Tandragee. Known at the 'Doctor Doolittle' of Northern Ireland's film world, Kenny owns a whole host of movie star animals.

Speaking to BBC News, Kenny said: "I have goats, donkeys, deer, chicken, sheep, cattle and white pigeons.


"Goats, Suzy, Kate and Abbey were regulars on the last series of Game of Thrones and Logan-Bishop, the Longhorn Bull, played sidekick to Natalie Portman in Your Highness.
"

He added: "I have the old types of animals because of my interest in rare breeds.

"They are very apt for older period films where an animal like a Charolais would look out of place. But a Longhorn would be right. So the animals have come into their own. And now, for some people, I'm the first port of call. If I haven't got it, I'll get it."

Mr Gracey told the BBC that he is more than happy to accompany the chickens to Hollywood for the Oscars, if he's needed.

To watch the Boogaloo and Graham trailer visit http://vimeo.com/116878614

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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.