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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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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.