Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New insect recorded in Shropshire
The bug was discovered by a group of volunteer wildlife enthusiasts.
Fallen's Leatherbug identified in the area for the first time. 

A new species of insect has been identified at a nature reserve in Shropshire, as reported by BBC News.

The Fallen's Leatherbug, identifiable by the v-shape caused by two rows of pale spines on the pronotum, is typically found in coastal sand dunes between Norfolk and South Wales. 

It is the first time the species has been recorded in the area, and was found at the Eardington Nature Reserve near Bridgnorth.

The group who made the discovery, the Joy of Wildlife group, is made up of volunteer wildlife enthusiasts who were undertaking surveys at the time. 

One member of the group, Keith Fowler, told BBC News: "How did it make the hop to Eardington? I have no idea, but they do have wings.

"Let us hope several made the journey and a colony becomes established."

The Fallen's Leatherbug, known scientifically as Arenocoris falleni, has also been found in the East Anglian Brecks, and occasionally inland in gravel pits and sandy habitats. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.