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NSA blames sheep deaths on escaped lynx
Natural England is currently considering an application from the Lynx Trust UK, which is proposing a trial reintroduction. (Stock photo)
Zoo claims it is ‘very unlikely’ Lilleth is responsible 

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is claiming an escaped lynx is to blame for the deaths of seven sheep in Wales.

Young Eurasian lynx Lilleth escaped from the Borth Wild Animal Kingdom at the end of last month.

The NSA says a post-mortem carried out on sheep by Welsh Government officials found the cause of death to be a single bite to the neck.

However, a spokeswoman for the Borth zoo told Farmer’s Weekly that it is “very unlikely that Lilleth had killed the sheep”.

She added: “The autopsy on one of the dead sheep came back inconclusive. We await the result of blood tests later in the week.”

Lilleth is thought to have climbed some slender tree branches in her enclosure, before making a ‘giant leap’ to the perimeter fence, which is electrified.

There have been a number of sightings of the lynx in the surrounding area and zoo keepers are currently tracking her, with the help of cameras and bait traps. The zoo will remain closed until she is caught.

Dyfed-Powys Police warned the public not to approach Lilleth as she may become aggressive if cornered. Any sightings should be reported by calling 101, or the zoo on 01970 871224.

The NSA has long campaigned against proposals to reintroduce Eurasian lynx to parts of the UK. In a statement, the trade association referred to the sheep deaths as a ’stark warning’. Natural England is currently considering an application from the Lynx Trust UK, which is proposing a trial reintroduction in Kielder Forest, Northumberland.

Borth Wild Animal Kingdom and the Lynx Trust UK have been contacted for comment.

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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.