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Urgent call to recognise beaver as a native species
beaver
RZSS and SWT say there is scientific evidence to suggest that beavers could be a key asset to Scotland, helping to restore depleted wetland ecosystems.
Protection needed to ensure future survival, Scottish charities say
 
The Scottish Government is being urged to officially recognise the Eurasian beaver as a native species, in a bid to protect its survival in Scotland.

After being extinct in Scotland for more than 400 years, beavers were reintroduced in Knapdale Forest, Argyll in 2009. A separate population now also exists in Tayside.

It has been eight months since Scottish Natural Heritage submitted its Beavers in Scotland report to the Scottish Government. The report outlines four possibilities for the future of the species.

Two leading partners in the Scottish Beaver Trial, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT), are urging the government not to delay their decision any longer.

The situation has become all the more critical, they said in a recent statement, as beavers are being indiscriminately culled in Tayside. Recent reports of pregnant beavers being culled, as well as those that had recently given birth, prompted calls for greater protection for the species, which is viewed as a pest by some farmers and landowners.

RZSS and SWT say there is scientific evidence to suggest that beavers could be a key asset to Scotland, helping to restore depleted wetland ecosystems.

But in order to maintain the genetic health and long-term viability of the species, urgent work is needed to augment and manage the Tayside and Argyll populations.

The two groups also strongly advocate further licensed releases of beavers into other appropriate areas in Scotland, in order to limit the risk of in-breeding and local extinctions.

'We understand that the Scottish Government's consideration of the future of beavers has involved listening to the views of a wide variety of stakeholders,' they said in a joint statement.

'We support this inclusive approach and are keen to continue dialogue on finding sustainable ways of managing localised impacts beavers may have, but strongly contend this should not be an excuse for delaying a decision on the future of beavers in Scotland still further.'

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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.