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First UK hares test positive for RHDV2
Brown hares have suffered a national decline of more than 80 per cent in the past century.

Scientists explore recent hare die-off 

Dead hares in Essex and Dorset have tested positive for rabbit haemorrhage disease virus type 2 (RHDV2). Scientists say it is the first time the disease variant has been found in UK hares.

Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) joined forces with local wildlife trusts, Defra and the APHA to determine the cause of hare deaths after members of the public began reporting sick and dead hares.

Lead author Dr Diana Bell said: “RHDV2 normally affects rabbits, but the disease is known to have jumped to European brown hares in Italy, Spain, France and Australia…

“RHDV2 is one of several pathogens we are finding in dead hares and it is too early to say which is currently the primary cause of the hare die-off. We are continuing to investigate other causes for the deaths.”

Last year members of the public were urged to photograph sick and dying hares, as well as collecting the bodies for autopsy.

Brown hares have suffered a national decline of more than 80 per cent in the past century, due to changes in agricultural practices. However, ongoing reports of dead and dying hares in the countryside has prompted fears that disease could also be contributing to the declines.

The team are continuing to collect dead hares for post mortem. If you find a freshly dead hare report it to Dr Bell by email: d.bell@uea.ac.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.