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Rescued sun bear finds mate at Edinburgh Zoo


A rare Malayan sun bear that was rescued from the illegal pet trade has been matched with a female bear, as part of a breeding programme at Edinburgh Zoo.

Rotana was found in a tiny cage in a Cambodian home, shortly before being rehomed with the zoo. He has been paired with Babu, a four-year-old female from the Czech Republic. They took their first steps outdoors together last week.

Alison MacLean, team leader for carnivores at the zoo, said: “It is wonderful to see Rotana and Babu getting on so well. Sun bear numbers are rapidly declining in the wild due to deforestation and poaching, so our new couple have an important role to play in the European conservation breeding programme.”

Image © RZSS

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'