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Pigs running wild in Hong Kong
Wild boar
Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong.

Driven to the city by development and construction
 
Police in China spent over three hours last week attempting to catch a wild boar which found itself lost in the financial district of Hong Kong.

Footage of the chase was captured on film by Periscope user @Penguinsix, who added to the suspense by humming the Mission Impossible theme tune.

It is the second time that a wild boar has been spotted in the city in two weeks, with the first sighted outside a luxury hotel.

Wildlife experts are blaming the recent incidents on development projects and construction around country parks.

Dr Gary Ades, head of fauna conservation at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, told the South China Morning Post that "boars hate change and often panic when their environment changes."

Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong, with adults measuring up to two meters long and weighing up to 200kg .

Over the last few years, the animals have been spotted throughout the city in theme parks, shopping malls and private housing estates.

"They're very funny animals," said Gary. "Whenever there is change [in their environment] they just don't want to be there.

"They create these beautiful animal highways in the dirt, which they use to get around, but a moment a new tree is planted there is confusion."

Wildlife experts say that regular feeding by humans (which is illegal), predation by feral dogs, and even the weather may also be driving the pigs into the city.

Drier winters make it difficult for pigs to get to the worms they usually feed on from the ground. 

Image (C) PJeganathan/Wikimedia

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.