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New Spokesbird for New Zealand
Sirocco the 'spokesbird'.
New Zealand’s world famous parrot – Sirocco the kākāpō – has been officially recognised as a conservation ambassador by the Prime Minister John Key.

To launch New Zealand’s involvement in the International Year of Biodiversity and in recognition of Sirocco’s own celebrity status the 12-year old kākāpō has been named New Zealand’s “Official Spokesbird for Conservation”.

Sirocco, one of only 124 kākāpō remaining in the world, was catapulted into stardom after featuring in the BBC’s “Last chance to see” programme. This saw a huge rise in popularity of kakapo and interest from people wanting to know more about New Zealand’s unique native wildlife.

“Sirocco was an obvious choice for the role – he has a huge worldwide following and he demonstrates the importance of looking after the very special nature that makes New Zealand so different”, said Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.

She added: “New Zealand is home to the world’s only flightless and nocturnal parrot, the last surviving member of a dinosaur family and the world’s smallest marine dolphin - we have so much unique native wildlife in every nook and cranny across the country. This is our biodiversity to protect and Sirocco can help spread that message.”

For more information, see Sirocco’s new website: www.spokesbird.com

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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.