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'Chief cuddler' sought for baby wombat
wombat
The tiny marsupial is being cared for by wombat experts on Flinders Island in Tasmania, Australia.
Tourism Tasmania launches online competition
 
An online competition has been launched to find a 'chief cuddler' for a baby wombat.

The tiny marsupial is being cared for by wombat experts on Flinders Island in Tasmania, Australia. Just eight months old, the youngster has been named 'Derek' after being rescued from his mother's pouch when she was hit by a car.

An online video of Derek has since turned him into an internet celebrity.

The competition is being run by Tourism Tasmania, which promotes the region. The winner will be flown with a friend from their nearest Australian capital city to Flinders Island, which they will spend three nights exploring.

Despite the promising title of 'chief wombat cuddler', Tourism Tasmania's Phil Souter told the BBC that any access to Derek will be at the discretion of his handler and will be "very carefully monitored by his handler and carer".

Much will also depend on Derek's mood as wombats are "rambunctious little creatures," Mr Souter added.

For more information visit: http://gobehindthescenery.com.au/insiders-guide/competition/#.Vw4tp3DzfJz

Video still © Sean Scott Photography/Youtube

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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.