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Noel Fitzpatrick receives a Guinness World Record
Noel Fitzpatrick receiving his award
Noel says he is "thrilled" that the work carried out at Fitzpatrick Referrals has been recognised by the Guinness World Records.
Award presented for world-first operation on Oscar the cat

World-renowned vet Noel Fitzpatrick has been presented with a Guinness World Record for his pioneering operation on Oscar the cat - the world's first animal to receive two bionic leg implants.

Oscar lost both his hind feet in an accident with a combine harvester in 2009. He was flown from his home in Jersey to Fitzpatrick Referrals, where he was given intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics, that allow skin to adhere to metal, and a pair of unique plastic feet enabling him to walk again.

Noel was presented with the world record at London Pet Show last week by Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of the Guinness World Records. It recognises the extraordinary efforts of Noel and his team at Fitzpatrick Referrals.

Commenting on the award, Noel said: "The Guinness Book of Records was the first book I ever had, so receiving this award is a real honour!

"I’m very humbled, you’re only as good as your next operation – you only ever think about providing hope to pets and their owners and doing your best.

"To be able to help them through the toughest times and see pets like Oscar make a full recovery is the most rewarding feeling and I’m thrilled that the work we carry out at Fitzpatrick Referrals has been recognised by Guinness World Records."

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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
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.