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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th October 2015
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Surge in holly blue butterflies
holly blue
Holly blues were up by 151 per cent.

Results of the Big Butterfly Count released
 
Holly blue butterflies are up by a staggering 151 per cent this year, according to the results of the latest Big Butterfly Count. In fact, more than half of the target butterfly species have seen a boost.

Large white butterflies did well too, with 46 per cent more sightings recorded than last year. Painted lady numbers rose by 28 per cent, while gatekeeper numbers reached the highest level seen in the six years the count has been carried out.

In total, 11 of the 20 target species increased, two remained more or less the same and seven declined.

Despite these positives, several species that did well in 2014 fell back in numbers this year. While the peacock butterfly came out on top last year, it had declined substantially in the latest count (61 per cent).

Likewise, small tortoiseshells suffered a reversal of their recent surge, dropping by 57 per cent.

Stark declines were seen in the overall abundance of butterflies in Northern Ireland and Scotland, which suffered disproportionately bad weather this summer, particularly in July. Numbers fell by 41 per cent and 37 per cent respectively.

For the full results, see: http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/2015mainresults

Image © Zeynel Cebeci/Wikimedia Commons CC BY 3.0

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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.