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Scottish SPCA shares story of youngest badger ever in its care
The two-week-old badger cub (pictured) has been named Lavender.

Two-week old Lavender rescued on Valentine’s Day.

The Scottish SPCA is currently caring for a two-week-old badger cub that was found in woodland near Inverness on Valentine’s day.

A member of the public contacted the Scottish SPCA after finding the tiny cub. It is suspected that the female infant was dragged away from her sett by another animal.

The badger, who has been named Lavender, is now being hand-reared by wildlife care assistant April Sorley at the charity's National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

At 12 weeks the cub will be weaned, and then in the autumn she will be released with other badger cubs in the charity’s care.

Ms Sorley said: “We believe Lavender is the youngest badger cub to ever be cared for at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre. When she arrived she was smaller than my hand and weighed just 250g, although she’s getting bigger every day!

“She is bottle feeding well, and has doubled her weight since she arrived which we’re so pleased about. As of today she weighs 575g.

She went on to add that the Scottish SPCA typical sees badgers come into its care around April, when the young are old enough to venture out of their sett and explore their surroundings.

If a member of the public finds a wild animal in need of help, the Scottish SPCA encourages them to contact its animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Images (c) Scottish SPCA.

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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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.