Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd November 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Campaign to save orphaned cubs gets underway
bear cub
Three of the orphaned cubs are housed in the municipal dog pound just outside Tbilisi.

Appeal will raise funds to rescue and relocate the cubs

A major appeal has been launched by the Born Free Foundation to ensure the care of four orphaned bear cubs in Greece and Georgia.

The Bear Me in Mind campaign hopes to raise enough funds to enable the rescue and relocation of the cubs, as well as build a new enclosure that will provide the bears with a rich and natural environment.

The campaign was brought to the attention of the Born Free Foundation by the Mayhew Animal Home. A special hotline and text messaging service have been set up as the urgent appeal gets underway.

Born Free's founder Virginia McKenna OBE, said: "For us it is always the most wonderful moment when we are asked to help with a rescue … time is of the essence here and we cannot fail them."

One of the orphaned bear cubs is 10-month-old Ushka, who sustained serious and life-threatening injuries after being hit by a car. Unable to walk and only with movement in his front legs, the young bear pulls himself along the floor as a means to move and play.

Ushka is currently under expert care at the Arcturos Bear Sanctuary in Northern Greece.  A team of vets, led by Born Free's senior vet Dr John Knight, are undertaking a detailed assessment of the cub to see what might be done to give him a fighting chance of maintaining a satisfactory quality of life.

The other three cubs were found wandering the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, following the floods in June. The nine-month old bears are currently housed in the municipal dog pound where they are subjected to the noise of barking dogs, are at risk of disease and are severely stressed.

The bears' progress will be updated over the coming weeks and during the lead up to Christmas. A spokesperson for Born Free added: "These four bears fought for their very survival, It is nothing short of a miracle they have made it this far."

For more information about the campaign and to make a donation, call 0800 803 0480 or visit www.bornfree.org.uk.

Image (C) Josh Cura/Born Free Foundation

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.