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Buff-tailed bumblebee crowned UK's favourite insect
Bumblebee
The poll was launched by the RSB to raise the profile of the insect population which is threatened as a result of loss of habitat, climate change and pollution.
Secured victory with over 40 per cent of votes

The buff-tailed bumblebee is the UK's favourite insect, according to a nationwide poll organised by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

The winner secured victory with over 40 per cent of the 7,500 votes, beating the seven spot ladybird and the emperor dragonfly in second and third place respectively.

The largest of the bee species, the buff-tailed bumblebee is the first that you are likely to see in your garden in the summer.
Its name refers to the queen bees golden-coloured tail.

Speaking to the Guardian, RSB member Dr Rebecca Nesbit put the bees popularity down to its hard work, visibility and gentle sound:

"Wasps interrupt your picnic, but there is something quite appealing about sitting in your hard and seeing a bumblebee hard at work. It's very noticeable in gardens and people are more aware of the valuable role bees play for us and the challenges they face at the moment."

The poll was launched by the RSB to raise the profile of the insect population which is threatened as a result of loss of habitat, climate change and pollution.

"When lots of people think of conservation they think of pandas and the large species that need our help, but there are lots of people who do understand how important insects are for our lives," Rebecca added.

"Many crops and wild flowers alike depend on bumblebees for pollination, They contribute to our economy, our countryside and the food we eat."

The RBS hope that people will get behind the bees by planting "bee-friendly" plants, avoiding mowing flowers until late summer and calling on MPs to create a national programme to monitor numbers.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'