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Loo surprise as snake found in bathroom
Image Lou
Lou
Scottish SPCA appeals for owner of 'Lou'

An Ayrshire resident has discovered a young male corn snake lurking in a vent in his bathroom, the Scottish SPCA has announced.

A resident of Grant Place in Kilmarnock made the discovery on Thursday, January 2, and alerted the animal welfare charity.

The 20-inch long snake has since been named Lou and is being cared for at the SPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Animal Rescue Officer Tricia Smith, said: "I think it's safe to say the man who found Lou got quite a fright. He was in the bathroom when he heard a strange noise coming from inside the vent.

Image Lou

"When he went to investigate, Lou came out of the vent and wrapped himself around the toilet roll holder, where he stayed until I arrived. Lou is around a year old and he's a feisty wee snake. He was flicking his tail as I tried to contain him but he's calmed down now.

"It's likely Lou has strayed from home but unfortunately no neighbours recognised him or knew who he might belong to. Hopefully someone will come forward following our appeal but if we're not able to reunite Lou with his owner we'll find him a new home."

The charity is asking anyone who recognises Lou to contact their helpline on 03000 999 999.

Images courtesy of the Scottish SPCA.

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.