Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 5th October 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Governments back call to strengthen protection for Asian elephants
An undercover investigation  revealed that elephant skin is being turned into powder for medical conditions and beads for jewellery.
Investigation exposes emerging trade in Asian elephant skin

International governments have backed a call to strengthen laws that will lead to the better protection of Asian elephants.

Representatives of Born Free and Elephant Family informed delegates at a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of an emerging illegal trade in Asian elephant skin.

An undercover investigation by Elephant Family in Myanmar revealed that elephant skin is being turned into powder for medical conditions and beads for jewellery and sold through online Chinese language forums.

Speaking on behalf of Asian elephants in Sri Lanka, Mr Ranjan Marasinghe, head of enforcement of the Department of Wildlife Conservation said: “As a range state we are aware of the multiple threats faced by Asian elephants and are concerned that the skin issue will expand to all range states if not stopped.”

The United States and the European Union were given approval for amendments to existing laws that protect Asian elephants, including a requirement for investigations into illegal trade and improved reporting on implementation.

“This is a big step forward for Asian elephants since the discussion at CITES is often dominated by African elephant ivory trade,” said Elephant Family’s conservation programme manager Caitlin Melidonis. “Our investigations helped shape the outcome of this important meeting but there is more to be done.

“Our job now is to ensure that the decisions outlined on paper translate to protection in the field.”

Speaking on behalf of Born Free Foundation, Gabriel Fava, said: “These important developments must lead to better cooperation and coordination across range States and help to identify gaps in capacity. We look forward to supporting countries to address those needs and ensure a sustained enforcement response against illegal trade”. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.