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Chicken survives 90-mile journey under a lorry
"The journey would have been a feat of 'hendurance' for this little explorer".

Brave bird left completely unscathed by her ordeal.

A chicken has been rescued by the RSPCA after surviving a 90-mile journey wedged underneath a lorry.

The bird had travelled from Lincolnshire to Hertfordshire under an egg delivery trailer, and even layed an egg herself!

She was found by staff at a food delivery company in Borehamwood after the lorry pulled into the industrial park. The staff managed to contain her in a cardboard box with some pine nuts and water before contacting the RSPCA for help.

“The journey would have been a feat of 'hendurance' for this little explorer but thankfully, the brave bird was completely unscathed," commented Inspector Nicole Smith, who came to collect the hen.

“She was a little bedraggled from the wet and windy two-hour journey but she certainly wasn’t in a flap when she was found. The staff put her in a cardboard box where she made herself so comfortable that she laid an egg!

“The delivery company was unable to trace where the bird had come from so she was signed over to the RSPCA. I knew I could find her a loving home and I was right!”

Several phone calls later, Nicole managed to find the hen a home with Hilary Carlen who has adopted farm birds from the RSPCA before. The hen, who has now been named Henrietta, is said to be thoroughly enjoying her new home.

“She’s a pretty strong hen. I don’t think most hens would have survived that kind of stress. She’s particularly robust as she seemed absolutely unruffled," said Hilary.

“She’s settled in well with my other six hens, three of which are also RSPCA rescues. She’s very amiable and friendly and doesn’t mind being handled. I’m so glad I was able to give another rescue hen a loving home.”

Image (C) RSPCA.

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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.