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Cat walks 190 miles home
Safe return for cat after two months on the run

A cat that went missing on holiday made its way 190 miles, back to within a mile of its home in Florida, USA.

Four-year-old Holly escaped her owners, Jacob and Bonnie Richter, during a road trip to Daytona International Speedway, after being scared by fireworks.

The couple immediately alerted rescue agencies, put up flyers and spent days searching for Holly, only to return home without their beloved cat.

It was two months later when Palm Beach resident Barb Mazzola spotted an exhausted looking cat in her garden - a mile away from the Richter's home.

"She was so skinny, so so thin, all bones and weak - and she could hardly walk," said Ms Mazzola. "She was pitiful. She just stood there, ready to collapse."

After rushing to feed the cat she had named Cosette, Ms Mazolla spent the next week trying to coax her into a carrier to take to a vet.

When she was finally successful, Cosette was scanned for a microchip, which happened to match with the Richter's missing cat Holly.

The Ritcher's said they couldn't believe the news; Holly had travelled about 190 miles in 62 days.

Mrs Richter explained that when her husband opened the cage, Holly climbed out and went straight into his arms for a cuddle.

"It was quite a journey for this little girl," he said. "We just can't believe she came home."

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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.