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Crocodile Attacks Lawnmower
Australian crocodile attacks and destroys machine.

The keepers of Elvis, a 50 year old saltwater crocodile of unusual violence from the Australian Reptile Park in Sydney, were obliged to effect a daring rescue of a lawnmower after the irritated reptile attacked and seized it from Operations Manager Tim Faulkner and Keeper Billy Collett.

Elvis, presumably objecting to the noise of the machine, pulled the machine under water in his enclosure and 'drowned' it. He then sat patiently watching his catch for over an hour.

''Once he got it, he just sat there and guarded it,'' said Mr Faulkner. ''It was his prize, his trophy. If it moved, then he would attack it again.''

The lawnmower was eventually recovered when Mr Collett bravely decoyed Elvis to the other end of the enclosure with kangaroo meat, allowing Mr Faulkner to jump the fence and hurriedly retrieve it. Upon closer inspection, the lawnmower was discovered to be damaged beyond repair. Elvis also lost two teeth, possibly when his teeth punctured the mower's top casing.

This is not the first time Elvis has acted violently. He was first caught after attacking fishing boats in Darwin Harbour and he ate two females at the Crocodile Farm shortly after being taken into captivity.

''He is so full of testosterone that he views everything as a threat,'' explained Mr Faulkner. ''Even potential mates.''

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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.