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Pigs running wild in Hong Kong
Wild boar
Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong.

Driven to the city by development and construction
 
Police in China spent over three hours last week attempting to catch a wild boar which found itself lost in the financial district of Hong Kong.

Footage of the chase was captured on film by Periscope user @Penguinsix, who added to the suspense by humming the Mission Impossible theme tune.

It is the second time that a wild boar has been spotted in the city in two weeks, with the first sighted outside a luxury hotel.

Wildlife experts are blaming the recent incidents on development projects and construction around country parks.

Dr Gary Ades, head of fauna conservation at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, told the South China Morning Post that "boars hate change and often panic when their environment changes."

Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong, with adults measuring up to two meters long and weighing up to 200kg .

Over the last few years, the animals have been spotted throughout the city in theme parks, shopping malls and private housing estates.

"They're very funny animals," said Gary. "Whenever there is change [in their environment] they just don't want to be there.

"They create these beautiful animal highways in the dirt, which they use to get around, but a moment a new tree is planted there is confusion."

Wildlife experts say that regular feeding by humans (which is illegal), predation by feral dogs, and even the weather may also be driving the pigs into the city.

Drier winters make it difficult for pigs to get to the worms they usually feed on from the ground. 

Image (C) PJeganathan/Wikimedia

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.