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World record for tallest cow ever
Blosom with her owner Patty
Blosom towered over her owner at more than 6ft tall.

Holstein cow measured over 6ft tall

Much-loved cow Blosom has been recognised as the tallest cow ever in the Guinness World Records, after sadly passing away earlier this year.

Blosom towered over her owner Patty Meads-Hanson at a staggering height of 190cm - more than 6ft tall.

Patty had owned the female Holstein cow since she was just eight weeks old. Remarkably, Patty says she was born to two normal-sized cows but she just kept growing and growing.

Blosom was officially measured by Guinness World Records in May last year. Footage was taken of her wandering around open, lush green farmland at her home in Orangeville, Illinois.

“The funny thing about Blosom was how unaffected she was by all the attention that seemed to surround her," said Patty. "As long as she had her oats, and daily chin rubs and ear scratches, life was good."

Blosom sadly passed away at the age of 13 in May of this year due to an irreparable leg injury.

Patty said she treated Blosom like any other pet and loved spending time with her in the field.

"I will cherish our memories forever... I am excited for the world to meet Blosom soon in the [Guinness World Record] 2016 edition, but I know it will be very bitter-sweet."

Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, Craig Glenday said he was "devastated" to hear of Blosom's death. "She was such a friendly and gorgeous animal and her owner equally as wonderful and took such great care of her.

"She is definitely one of the standout highlights in our upcoming book and we hope the world enjoys seeing the pictures of her."

Image © Guinness World Record

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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.