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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th June 2013
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

Red panda cub born
Kitty, Highland Wildlife Park
First successful breeding for 13 years

The Highland Wildlife Park has confirmed its first ever birth of a red panda cub, which is also the first to be born to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland for 13 years.

The cub was born to first-time mother Kitty, who celebrated her second birthday on June 22. The pair will be off-display for several weeks, as red panda cubs are born blind, opening their eyes after 18 days, making it a delicate time.

"It is always reassuring when a new pair of animals successfully breeds at the first opportunity as it helps to confirm that the enclosure, diet and husbandry regime are correct," says Douglas Richardson, head of living collections at the park.  

"It is still early days and Kitty is a first time mum, however the birth of her cub is a real boost to the team of keepers responsible for the pandas’ care as they have worked very hard to make sure that conditions were as conducive to successful breeding as possible."

It is believed there are less than 10,000 red pandas left in the wild, and the species is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The Highland Wildlife Park is part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).

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

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.