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Scottish wildcats arrive at Edinburgh Zoo

Quartet of rare felines settle into their new enclosure

Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed four Scottish wildcats – one of Britain's rarest mammals – to its animal inventory.

The quartet arrived at the zoo a few months ago from the Highland Wildlife Park, both part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the Scottish wildcats will remain part of RZSS's conservation project at the zoo.

The three male cats – Leven, Lomond and Linnhe – and one female – Lochy – have settled into their new home well, and are normally found hanging around the treetops of their enclosure.

While they may seem similar to a pet cat, Scottish wildcats have a more wide, flat head and a bushy tail with dark rings around it. There are also differences in their genetics and blood type.

It is thought that there are as little as 400 of these wildcats left, making them more rare than the Amur tiger.

Image courtesy of RZSS

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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.