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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. 

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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.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'