Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd October 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.