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Hopes for semi-wild panda
Survival training given to panda released in wild

A giant panda bred in captivity has been released into the wild after receiving special survival training.

The two-year-old male, called Taotao, has been released from a giant panda conservation centre in Sichuan province, China.

Training involved handlers wearing panda suits to prevent Taotao becoming familiar with humans. It is though that the panda now has enough skills to survive and to help increase the threatened panda population.

Taotao is the second panda to be released into the wild since Xiang Xiang, in 2006. Unfortunately, Xiang Xiang died after he got into a fight with wild pandas.

Zhang Hemin, a director at the conservation centre said that, compared to Xiang Xiang, this panda "has lived and grown in semi-wild conditions since he was very little. This means [his] fighting capability and survival skills both improved significantly."

However, despite best hopes, it is not certain that Taotao will be able to survive natural challenges such as other wild animals.

Hemin added: "Taotao is only the second such panda released to nature, and we remain in the experimental stage."

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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
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.