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Pine marten recovery project begins
pine marten
Pine martens are now the second rarest carnivore in Britain.

Threatened species translocated to Wales

A project to save pine martens from the threat of extinction is now underway. The native mammals are being moved from Scotland to Wales as part of Britain's first national carnivore recovery scheme.

Spearheaded by the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT), the project aims to translocate 20 pine martens to woodlands in mid-Wales, followed by a further 20 animals next autumn.

It is hoped this will create a self-sustaining population that, in time, will spread to other forests in Wales and cross the border to England.

Before being translocated to Wales, the pine martens will be captured from selected, well-populated sites in Scotland, health screened and fitted with radio collars. After an acclimatisation period in purpose-built pens, they will be released at pre-selected sites.

All in all, the scheme is set to cost around £1.2 million over a five year period. Fundraising is ongoing to meet this cost.

Pine martens are now the second rarest carnivore in Britain, after wildcats. This elusive species has been extinct throughout much of the country since the early 20th century due to persecution and loss of habitat.

Fairly strong populations remained in the Scottish Highlands, where the species is said to be making a good recovery. However there are no signs of a natural recovery south of Scotland.

VWT says restoring the species could benefit ecotourism, bringing additional rural income as it has in Scotland. Recent studies in Ireland also suggest grey squirrel populations are declining in areas where the pine marten is recovering, which offers a boost to native red squirrels.

In bringing the project to fruition, VWT has worked with a number of partners, including Scottish Natural Heritiage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Chester Zoo and Wildlife Vets International.

A proactive disease surveillance strategy will also be carried out in collaboration with the Wildlife Veterinary Investigation Centre in Cornwall, Edinburgh University vet school and private veterinary practices in Scotland and Wales.

Find out more about the Pine Marten Recovery Project: http://www.pine-marten-recovery-project.org.uk/

 

Image supplied by Wildlife Vets International

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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.