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Exotics centre inundated with reptiles
Around 50 snakes, including corn snakes, boa constrictors and king snakes have been admitted to RSPCA Brighton.
Around 50 snakes admitted to RSPCA Brighton

An RSPCA exotics centre is appealing for potential new owners following an influx of forgotten and abandoned reptiles.

Around 50 snakes, including corn snakes, boa constrictors and king snakes have been admitted to RSPCA Brighton.

Staff say that summer is always a busy time for them with reptiles, especially the more commonly-kept species, like corn snakes.  However, this year they have been inundated.

“We have so many beautiful snakes looking for new owners, through no fault of their own, and we would love to see them find their forever homes with caring and responsible owners who know how to care for them properly,” explained RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer Nicola White.
 
“Some were neglected, many were abandoned, and others were signed over to us simply because their previous owners no longer wanted them.”
 
She added: "Reptiles are specialist animals so it is very important that owners research the needs of the particular species thoroughly and make sure they can provide what they need for the entirety of their lives.

“Not everyone has the facilities, time, commitment and understanding needed to look after them properly so we’d ask people to think very carefully before taking them on.”

Anyone who is looking to re-home a snake from the RSPCA should contact the Brighton branch on http://www.rspcareptilerescue.co.uk/. 

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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.