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'Sniffer rats' join Dutch police force
rat
One of the rats, Derrick, is 98.8 per cent accurate in all cases. (stock photo)
Rat team can detect drugs and gunpowder
 
An elite group of rats named after well-known fictional detectives have been trained to sniff out drugs and gunpowder - with around 95 per cent accuracy.

Dutch police are training the sniffer rats in order to help save money, ABC reports. Gunshots leave behind a residue that until now could only be detected in a laboratory - a far more costly process that can take at least two hours.

Rat trainer Monique Hamerslag told ABC: "Rats can do the same thing in seconds."

The formidable five have been named Magnum, Poirot, Derrick (after a the protagonist of a popular German TV show) and Thompson and Thompson (from The Adventures of Tin Tin).

They are being trained in Rotterdam and Derrick is said to be unbeatable - achieving accuracy of 98.8 per cent in all cases.

Hamerslag told ABC the rats will soon be sufficiently skilled to use in criminal investigations.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.