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Agoraphobic owl given his own house
Owl is scared of flying in big open spaces

A great grey owl that is scared of flying outside has had an aviary built inside his own brick house.

The agoraphobic owl, called Gandalf, was first put in the shed temporarily while his owners built his aviary outside, but he didn't want to move.

His owner, Janet Southard, said: "He is a bit of a wuss as he doesn't like flying in big open spaces… so now he has an aviary inside the lovely red brick shed.

"He loves sitting at the window and watching the other birds."

Gandalf, who can be seen staring out of the window by passers by, gave amateur photographer, Mark Bridger, a bit of a fright.

"I looked around a saw this face at the window, then suddenly realised it was an owl. It gave me quite a shock. You don't normally expect to see an owl in a house. He looked quite ghostly."

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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.