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Giant goldfish caught in France
Generic koi carp (C) Shutterstock.
'The Carrot' weighed in at a hefty 30kg.

A man from Worcestershire had a giant surprise when he caught an enormous goldfish while angling in Champagne, France, as reported by BBC News.

While the average household pet goldfish weighs eight ounces – or approximately 0.2 kgs – this massive fish weighed in at a whopping 30kg.

Known at Bluewater Lakes where he resides as 'The Carrot', the goldfish is a hybrid of a leather carp and a koi carp, and has been at Bluewater Lakes for 20 years, proving himself to be a rare and difficult catch.

Andy Hackett, the angler who caught Mr Carrot, told BBC News about the catch: "With normal fish, you struggle to see them if they're just under the surface, but The Carrot is obviously bright orange so you can't miss it.

"[But] it's a much sought-after fish, not many people have caught it, it's quite elusive.”

After being weighed, and having had some obligatory photos taken, The Carrot was returned back to the lake, to evade more anglers.

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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.