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Kate Humble joins Medical Detection Dogs
Kate Humble and Claire Guest
Dr Claire Guest and Kate Humble with Medical Detection Dog Florin.

Wildlife presenter becomes ambassador

Television presenter Kate Humble has become an ambassador for Medical Detection Dogs.

Best known for her wildlife programmes, Kate will now help to spread the word about the charity and the ways it helps to save thousands of lives.  

Speaking about her first visit to the Medical Detection Dogs centre earlier this year, Kate said that she was utterly 'blown away'.

"The work they are doing is extraordinary and, although of course it sounds cliché, truly life-changing," said Kate.  "I was delighted to be asked to be an ambassador for Medical Detection Dogs and had no hesitation in agreeing."

Medical Detection Dogs was set up in 2008 by animal behaviourist Dr Claire Guest and orthopaedic surgeon Dr John Church.

The charity uses the remarkable olfactory power of dogs to detect volatiles associated with human disease, including cancer from urine samples.

Medical Detection Dogs also trains dogs to assist individuals with long-term life threatening diseases such as brittle type one diabetes. Diabetic partners are alerted by their dogs to dangerous falls or rises in their sugar levels to allow them to take their medication before they suffer an attack.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr Guest said: " I could not be more delighted that Kate Humble has agreed to become an ambassador for us. Not only is she a highly respected wildlife expert, but she is also a much-love national figure and will be a huge asset to our charity."

Image (C) Medical Detection Dogs

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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
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.