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England's last golden eagle feared to have died
golden eagle
Mr Schofield said the eagle has been an iconic part of the Haweswater landscape for 15 years and his loss marks "the end of an era".
Iconic bird's loss is "the end of an era"
 
Wildlife experts are fearing the worst for England's last remaining golden eagle after he failed to arrive at his Lake District home this spring.

RSPB staff at Haweswater, Cumbria, said the bird was last seen in November 2015, but they only became worried last month when he still hadn't appeared.

The bird isn't always seen during the winter, but in spring it should have been nest building and displaying to attract a mate around its territory in Riggindale.

"When the eagle didn't appear last month we thought there was a chance he might be hunting in a nearby valley but over the past few weeks we've been gradually losing hope," explained Lee Schofield, site manager at RSPB Haweswater.

"We'll probably never find out what happened to him but as he was around 19-20 years old, an advanced age for an eagle, it's quite possible that he died of natural causes."

Mr Schofield said the eagle has been an iconic part of the Haweswater landscape for 15 years and his loss marks "the end of an era".

RSPB experts fear it is unlikely that golden eagles will set up home in Haweswater in the near future, due to a lack of suitable food and habitat. But the organisation is undertaking an extensive programme of habitat restoration, which will hopefully encourage eagles to nest there again.

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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.