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British national 'killed by poachers'
Roger Gower
According to FCF, Mr Gower was killed while piloting a helicopter as part of a team effort with wildlife authorities to trace and arrest elephant poachers.

Conservation group mourns loss of Roger Gower

British national Roger Gower was killed in the fight against elephant poaching in Tanzania last week, according to the Friedkin Conservation Fund (FCF).

In a statement on the group's website, chairman Dan Friedkin said: "We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our dear friend".

Confirming the news, a spokeswoman from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Tanzania and are providing assistance to the family at this difficult time."

According to FCF, Mr Gower was killed while piloting a helicopter as part of a team effort with wildlife authorities to trace and arrest elephant poachers. Poachers are said to have opened fire on the helicopter, fatally wounding Mr Gower.

"We believe that Roger can best be honoured by redoubling our commitment to protect elephants and our priceless wildlife heritage," Mr Friedkin added.

"This tragic event again highlights the appalling risk and cost of protecting Tanzania¹s wildlife."

Image courtesy of FCF

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.