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Peacock tries to squeeze through cat flap
Felix the peacock
Confused Felix got in a bit of a flap!

Hunt is on for owner of missing bird

The hunt is on for the owner of a peacock who tried to squeeze through a cat flap in Aberdeenshire.

The Scottish SPCA were alerted when the bird was found outside a house near Ordhead, Inverurie, last Monday (18 May).

The peacock, who has been named Felix, is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA's animal rescue and rehoming centre in Drumoak.

Animal rescue officer Helen Bisset said:  "I was able to catch Felix without any trouble. He has some feathers missing from his head and neck so I think he has been in a tussle with another peacock recently.

"Felix was pecking at the windows of the house and then tried to put his head through the cat flap. At this stage we're not sure how he came to be there. It's possible he has strayed from home or he may have been abandoned. We're sure he does have an owner though as people do keep peacocks as pets.

"If no one comes forward for this cheeky boy we'll find him a suitable new home."

The Scottish SPCA say that anyone who recognises Felix should contact their Aberdeenshire centre on 03000 999 999 

Image (C) Scottish SPCA

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.