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Majority of reptiles and fish die within a year
tropical fish
Around 40 million pet fish are imported annually into the UK.
Damning report reveals high mortality rates pre-sale and in the home

The majority of pet reptiles and fish either die before they can be sold, or within their first year in the home, according to a damning report published in the Ecologist.

Quoting figures from WWF and the Ecologist, author and medical scientist Clifford Warwick said about 80 per cent of wild-caught marine fish die pre-sale. Of the 40 million pet fish imported annually into the UK, almost all die within just one year.

Meanwhile, around 70 per cent of reptiles die before sale and a further 81 per cent die within a year of being sold.

The article, titled 'The exotic pet trade is a global evil that must be stopped', describes the exotic pet industry as unsustainable and estimates a quarter of the trade to be illegal.

Furthermore, the article raises concerns about the number of exotic pets being released into the wild and potentially introduce novel pathogens impacting human and livestock health. In London alone, there are thought to be at least 51 types of released reptiles and amphibians.

Clifford Warwick, who has been a field biologist for 30 years, said: "Long overdue is the need to haul this industry's modern-day dark-age habits to face the cleansing light of scientific scrutiny, neo-political good will, and common sense morals.

"Evidential and ethical arguments overwhelmingly justify a complete ban on trading exotic animals as pets. Already available, however, are so-named 'positive lists' - which turn the historical 'free trade' concept around and stipulate 'no trade until proven safe'.

"This approach offers a pro-active and not reactive opportunity to favour wildlife over the deepening pockets of pet peddlers. But so long as the exotic pet trade continues, its maleficence will persist to the detriment of animals, humans and the world in which we live".

For the full report, visit: www.theecologist.org

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.