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Rugby-playing pig hopes to find a new team
Genevieve
Just like a rugby player, Genevieve needs plenty of space for exercise, loves getting muddy from time to time and enjoys company.
Rescue pig Genevieve has impressive rugby skills

A pot-bellied rescue pig has been impressing RSPCA staff with her rugby-playing ability. The charity is hoping to find her a team of her own kind to practise with.

Two-year-old Genevieve came to the RSPCA's Southridge Animal Centre after she was found trotting along a country lane by herself.

Centre manager Anna White, said: "Pigs are really intelligent animals and need a stimulating environment to stop them from getting bored.

"Like all pigs she loves to root around so we give her treat balls to play with and things like logs and plenty of straw to investigate."

When staff decided to try her out on a rugby ball they found she was a natural, knocking it around the pen with her snout.

"I'm not sure she'll be getting a call up to the England squad just yet but hopefully we may get a call from some potential new owners," said Anna.

Just like a rugby player, Genevieve needs plenty of space for exercise, loves getting muddy from time to time and enjoys company, so she will have to be rehomed with other pigs.

For more information on Genevieve contact RSPCA Southridge on 0300 123 0704.

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
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.