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Race to save rare antelope after mystery deaths
saiga antelopes
Over half the global population of Saiga died in two weeks earlier this summer.

Over 134,000 Saiga died in two weeks this year
 
A UK charity has launched an emergency appeal to help investigate a mass die-off of critically endangered antelopes.

Earlier this summer, the Saiga Conservation Alliance (SCA) reported that around 134,000 Saiga antelopes had been found dead in less than two weeks in Kazakhstan. This was more than half the global Saiga population.

The exact cause of death remains a mystery, making it impossible to protect the remaining animals. Conservationists fear another die-off could end the species.

Those hoping to save the Saiga are now in a race against time to gather and analyse samples and data. The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), which is based in the UK, is sending emergency funding to SCA to support its urgent fieldwork.

Initial tests have identified two types of bacteria in the stomachs of the deceased Saiga. However, these bacteria are normally harmless, leading experts to believe unknown environmental factors may have made the bacteria deadly, or lowered the Saigas' immunity.

The animals are said to have died a few hours after showing symptoms including diarrhoea and frothing at the mouth. The mothers died after losing the ability to breathe and eat properly, followed by the deaths of the calves a few days later.

Outbreaks are thought to have occurred almost at the same time in four separate gatherings of female Saiga, who give birth in large groups.

SCA's field expedition has so far covered 4000km in Kazakhstan, where a few small surviving herds have been spotted.

Samples and data is now being analysed and the findings and recommendations will be shared at an upcoming conference.

Sadly, this is not the first time a mass die-off has been seen in the species. In 2010, 12,000 of the animals were found dead in a week. However, this remains the largest scale die-off known to date.

For more information visit http://ptes.org/ways-to-give/saiga-emergency-appeal/

Image © Igor Shpilenok/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

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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.