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Ostrich family on the run in Ayrshire
Ostrich
Animal welfare officers are warning members of the public not to approach the adult ostrich.
Public advised not to approach the birds 

A family of ostriches are on the run in a village in Ayrshire, animal welfare officers have warned.

The Scottish SPCA say that there have been several sightings of an adult ostrich with its young in Patna, East Ayrshire.

Members of the public are being warned not to approach the birds, as adult ostriches can be 'extremely aggressive'.

Animal rescue officer Alistair Hill said it is unclear where the ostrich has come from.

He said: "Anyone in the area who spots the ostrich or its young should call us as soon as possible on 03000 999 999 so we can keep an eye on where these birds area.

“We are warning members of the public not to approach the adult ostrich and to especially avoid approaching its young as ostriches can be very protective and can become extremely aggressive.”

Sightings of the ostrich should be reported to our animal helpline on 03000 999 999."

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.