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Miniature piglet racing a hit!
Image - www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
Specially bred pigs race after months of training

The introduction of miniature piglet racing at Pennywell Farm in Devon has proven to be a spectacular hit, and the inaugural race (held after months of training) saw 9 month-old Red Runt successfully negotiate the trials of Bacon Brook and the Trough to beat fellow miniature piglets Silk Purse, Pigarkel and Celestial Swine to first place.

Farmers Chris and Nicky Murray ran through a breeding programme spanning nine years and 24 generations to establish the Pennywell Miniature Pigs breed, which have been bred for small size and friendliness to the point where they are approximately one-fifth the size of a conventional piglet. The smallest pig bred thus far was named Tetley after it was discovered that he could fit into a teacup, although the average piglet only weighs in at 250g (8oz) at birth.

"The pigs have been hamming it up, the visitors have been all out in supporting them and it's odds on we have a classic activity in the making." said Mr Murray, who has been farming at Pennywell since 1988. The Pennywell 'Ham Stakes' will run daily at 2pm, and more information about the farm's opening times is available here.

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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. 

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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.