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Stag caught using antlers to steal food
red deer
Biologist Dr Jochen Langbein has been researching and filming red deer in the area for two years. (stock photo)
Biologist captures clever stag nabbing bird nuts from garden

A stag has been filmed using its antlers to steal bird food from a suburban garden in Exmoor, Somerset.

Biologist Dr Jochen Langbein has been researching and filming red deer in the area for two years. Video footage captured at the edge of Exmoor National Park shows a mature red deer stag knocking bird feeders out of trees.

“It’s learned to very deliberately use the tip of his antlers to dislodge bird feeders in order to get at the contents,” Dr Langbein told BBC News. “At the moment it’s only him, the others haven’t caught on yet.”

Dr Langbein said he saw the “particularly wily old stag” raiding another feeder two years ago, but he was “not quite as adept then”.

With poaching on the rise on Exmoor, Dr Langbein explained that stags repeatedly return to their favourite “garden haunts” where they feel safe.

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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.