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California sanctuary reopens after attack
Lion attack death thought to be an accident

A California wildlife sanctuary reopened on Sunday after a 24-year-old intern was killed in a lion attack last week.

According to David Haden, Fresno County Coroner, the lion escaped a smaller pen, and attacked intern Dianna Hanson while she cleaned a larger area of the enclosure.

The lion, known as Cous Cous, was fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy in an effort to stop the attack, but the coroner's report states that Dianna died immediately of a broken neck.

With the permission of her family, Cat Haven has reopened and is resuming normal operations. The private zoo, which is run by the not-for-profit organisation Project Survival, observed a moment of silence for Dianna.

Speaking in response to the incident, Craig Packer, ecologist at the University of Minnesota said: "It's easy to forget that [lions] react to meat with the reflexive instincts of a shark…these attacks happen when people forget about the shark inside."

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, said: "We believe this was an accident, an error." Hanson's family reportedly believe the death was accidental, and protocols were followed at Cat Haven.

It was announced last week that a fund has been set up in Hanson's memory, and her family have urged people to donate to the wildlife organisations she loved, including Cat Haven.

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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.