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: 17th 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

Wildlife 'already affected by climate change'
Kittiwake
Climate change is a factor in the 70 per cent decline in kittiwakes, the RSPB says.
RSPB report explores the rising threats to wildlife

Europe's wildlife is already being impacted by climate change and the effects are set to get worse over the next hundred years, according to a new report by the RSPB.

The charity has reviewed and compiled the available evidence for its report, The Nature of Climate Change. It shows how some of Europe's best-loved wildlife is already under threat.

RSPB's director of conservation Martin Harper, said: "Climate change is the greatest long-term threat to people and wildlife. We are already seeing its impacts and, alongside other pressures on land and at sea, our wildlife is increasingly at risk."

Extreme weather events, for example, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Severe weather can be damaging for wildlife; wet and windy springs can cause mass deaths in shags, a cormorant-like seabird.

Wildlife is also having to move northwards and uphill to find suitable conditions as climates change. According to the RSPB, species may be forced to move into areas where there is no suitable habitat.

Habitats must be provided to enable wildlife to move, the charity added. By 2100, a third of Europe's bumblebee species could lose 80 per cent of their range.

A key part of addressing this is the creation of new protected areas, whilst managing the existing areas and making the wider landscape more wildlife-friendly.

Climate change is also causing species to diverge in terms of numbers, location and timings. Changing sea conditions in the North Sea are having a knock-on result for plankton populations, affecting their predator, the sand eel, which is a source of food for kittiwakes (a small gull).

RSPB says climate change is therefore a factor in the 70 per cent decline in the UK's kittiwake populations.

Mr Harper added: "The report has a clear message that the world's governments need to act on fast, to limit climate change."

Read The Nature of Climate Change: http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/natureofclimatechange_tcm9-409709.pdf

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.