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Lost canary nicknamed after Boris Johnson
The little bird’s fluffy blonde head reminded RSPCA staff of the new Prime Minister.
RSPCA seeking owner of bird that resembles new PM 

A lost pet canary has been nicknamed Boris because of his bouffant hairstyle, which reminded RSPCA staff of the new Prime Minister.

Boris the yellow canary was found flying loose with a budgie in a park near Farm Lane, Plymouth. A member of the public spotted the pair and knew they must be lost pets as they both had rings on their legs.

RSPCA animal collection officer Megan Higgins said: “She managed to catch the birds and took them home before calling us in.

“The budgie’s owner was quickly tracked down and reunited with their missing pet but, unfortunately, we’ve not been able to trace this sweet little canary’s owner.”

The little bird’s fluffy blonde head reminded staff at the RSPCA Little Valley Animal Centre, Exeter, of the new PM, Boris Johnson.

They are hoping to trace the bird’s owners so he can be reunited with them.

Megan added: “Boris is such a friendly little bird and we’d love to reunite him with his owners who must be worried sick about him. If anyone recognises him or believe he may be theirs then please get in touch with our Little Valley Animal Centre or call our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The charity is urging all pet owners to ensure their animals are microchipped or have suitable identification, such as leg rings, and are registered to a database so they can be quickly reunited with their owners if they go missing.

Canary image © RSPCA

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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.