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68 snakes captured in python challenge
1,600 volunteers entered the Everglades for hunt

The month-long Python Challenge has come to an end, with 68 invasive pythons captured by volunteers in Florida.

The hunt was launched on 12 January by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as a measure to tackle the threats to wildlife posed by Burmese pythons. Since its introduction the Asian behemoth has reportedly thrived in Florida's swamps, to the detriment of native mammal populations. The problem, ecologists say, is particularly pronounced in the Everglades area.

The 2013 Python Challenge attracted 1,600 people, the majority of which were inexperienced hunters. Between 12 January and 10 February participants were encouraged to catch as many pythons as they could from state wildlife-management areas within the Everglades. The commission even gave cash prizes to those who caught the most and the longest snakes.

Organisers have hailed the event a success, with several experts surprised by the number of pythons that were captured, as they are notoriously difficult to catch. According to Kenneth Krysko, senior herpetologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History, the reptiles would have been staying in the brush due to the unusually warm weather in Florida. Cheryl Millet of the Nature Conservancy added that the animals lie in wait to ambush hunters, and are extremely well camouflaged.

The concept of the hunt attracted criticism from those who questioned the wisdom of encouraging amateurs to use firearms and hunt dangerous exotics. Organisers however say the necropsies on captured snakes will reveal what the pythons are eating, and location data from the hunters will provide valuable information for scientists working to stop the spread of the species into ecologically sensitive areas.

Frank Mazotti, ecologist at the University of Florida and leader of the challenge, said: "It's an unprecedented sample, and we're going to get a lot of information out of that."

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."