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Easter treat for cheetah cubs
Image: Cheetah
Zoo's six cheetah cubs given 'easter eggs'

The cheetahs and meerkats at Whipsnade Zoo are in for a special treat today - early easter eggs!

The zoo's cheeky cheetah cubs will be having their very own easter egg hunt today, as painted "easter eggs" filled with meaty treats have been hidden in their enclosure.

This forms part of the sextuplets enrichment activities, aimed at stimulating their natural curiosity by making them work for the tasty food.

"As it's their first easter we wanted to do something special for the cheetah cubs," says Mark Holden, head of the Africa section.

"All six of them are really inquisitive by nature and love investigating new things; their specially made eggs will spark their curiosity and playful natures as they work out how to reach their food."

10 months old, the cubs are only the second litter of Northern cheetahs to be born in Whipsnade Zoo. The first, which were born to the same mother, named Dubai, were the first litter of Northern cheetahs to ever be born in the UK.

The zoo's meerkats will also be enjoying a special treat today, having been given colourful eggs to roll around their sandy terrain.

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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. 

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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.