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Bat lifecycle disrupted by rising temperatures
Researchers in Portugal have been monitoring bat roosts since the 1980s.
Some Mediterranean bats ignored hibernation this year

The lifecycle of European bats appears to have been disrupted by rising temperatures, according to new research.

Speaking to BBC News, Dr Hugo Rebelo of the University of Porto said that some bats in the Mediterranean had ignored hibernation altogether this year, while some produced young early.  

Dr Rebelo is concerned that some bats born early could suffer from a lack of insects to feed on.  

“It's a phenological mismatch," he said. "What this means is that the bat birth is more or less synchronised with the time of emergence of insects so that when bats give birth there are plenty of resources to feed on and then to feed their own pups.

"With these chaotic weather patterns we are having now in winter and spring we don't know if everything is being mixed up.”

Researchers in Portugal have been monitoring bat roosts since the 1980s. To make it through the winter, bats need to hibernate as there are not enough insects to eat.

In January and February this year, Dr Luísa Rodrigues, a biologist at The Institute of Conservation of Nature and Forests in Lisbon, visited 20 caves in Portugal and discovered bats that had been born very early.

While Dr Rodrigues only observed early births in one of the roosts, she said that it is a sign that the situation needs to be continually monitored.

"It's not a red alert but it's something that we need to be conscious of," she told BBC News.

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."