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Agoraphobic owl given his own house
Owl is scared of flying in big open spaces

A great grey owl that is scared of flying outside has had an aviary built inside his own brick house.

The agoraphobic owl, called Gandalf, was first put in the shed temporarily while his owners built his aviary outside, but he didn't want to move.

His owner, Janet Southard, said: "He is a bit of a wuss as he doesn't like flying in big open spaces… so now he has an aviary inside the lovely red brick shed.

"He loves sitting at the window and watching the other birds."

Gandalf, who can be seen staring out of the window by passers by, gave amateur photographer, Mark Bridger, a bit of a fright.

"I looked around a saw this face at the window, then suddenly realised it was an owl. It gave me quite a shock. You don't normally expect to see an owl in a house. He looked quite ghostly."

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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.