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Farmers call for independent lynx consultation
Sheep
Farmers are concerned that lynx will negatively impact sheep farming businesses.

NSA and NFU raise farmers' concerns

Farmers are calling on Natural England to commit to a full consultation in the event of a formal application to reintroduce Eurasian lynx to the UK.

Lynx UK has identified Kielder Forest, Northumberland, as a preferred trial reintroduction site for the species, but has not so far submitted an application to the licencing authorities.

Now the NSA and the NFU, who are representing farmers in Scotland and England, say that farmers’ justified concerns ‘must be taken seriously’.

They disagree with the suggestion that consultation work undertaken by Lynx UK would meet the legal requirement for an official and independent review.

Furthermore, the organisations stress the importance of an application being made to the licensing bodies in both nations. They argue that it is unacceptable for any release to proceed without both sides being given a chance to participate in discussions.

“A thorough, independent evaluation of any proposals put forward is what farmers in the local area expect,” said NFU regional director Adam Bedford. “This is an area almost wholly dependent on sheep farming and times are tough. Any unnecessary additional pressure on these fragile businesses is simply unacceptable and the government must respond accordingly.”

Farmers are concerned that lynx will negatively impact sheep farming businesses without being guaranteed to bring any gains in terms of environment or tourism.

“Sheep are an essential part of the economic, environmental and societal jigsaw in rural areas,” commented Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive. “Put this one vital piece at risk and the whole structure is threatened, biodiversity is reduced, cultural and heritage is lost, and the rural landscape changes.”

The NSA has published a report on the wider consequences of the Introduction of Eurasian Lynx to the UK, which is available at nationalsheep.org.uk.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.