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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th August 2015
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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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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

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News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.