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Giant goldfish caught in France
Generic koi carp (C) Shutterstock.
'The Carrot' weighed in at a hefty 30kg.

A man from Worcestershire had a giant surprise when he caught an enormous goldfish while angling in Champagne, France, as reported by BBC News.

While the average household pet goldfish weighs eight ounces – or approximately 0.2 kgs – this massive fish weighed in at a whopping 30kg.

Known at Bluewater Lakes where he resides as 'The Carrot', the goldfish is a hybrid of a leather carp and a koi carp, and has been at Bluewater Lakes for 20 years, proving himself to be a rare and difficult catch.

Andy Hackett, the angler who caught Mr Carrot, told BBC News about the catch: "With normal fish, you struggle to see them if they're just under the surface, but The Carrot is obviously bright orange so you can't miss it.

"[But] it's a much sought-after fish, not many people have caught it, it's quite elusive.”

After being weighed, and having had some obligatory photos taken, The Carrot was returned back to the lake, to evade more anglers.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.