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Bioblitz race for UK zoos
Aquariums and zoos race to record wildlife
Edinburgh Zoo is one of 25 zoos and aquariums to take part in this year's Bioblitz Race, where they will attempt to spot as many animals and plants as possible within 24 hours.

The race is being supported by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), as a way to encourage people to engage with wildlife and create a snapshot of biodiversity.

Records taken of the animals, plants and fungi spotted within marked areas will be supplied to the national Bioblitz database following the race.

Chair of BIAZA's native species working group, Dave Coles, said: "Last year, more than 800 different species were recorded on BIAZA sites and this year we have even more zoos taking part so we are looking forward to seeing some interesting results."

Edinburgh Zoo will be holding a range of events between June 14 and 15, including mini-beast hunts, pond dipping and badger and bat watching.

Senior education officer at the zoo, Amy Cox, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer children and adults the chance to explore the wildlife right under their feet and on their doorstop in our series of BioBlitz events this weekend."

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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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Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.