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: 10th May 2016
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

Project to examine leprosy in red squirrels
red squirrel
Brownsea Island is home to around 200 red squirrels. Leprosy is thought to have been present on the island for some time, but it has only just been diagnosed as such.
Brownsea Island becomes home to a new study

Wildlife experts are hoping to find out more about how leprosy affects British red squirrels on Brownsea Island in Dorset.

Leprosy was first identified in red squirrels in Scotland in 2014, but it is thought to have been present in the squirrel population for centuries.

According to post-mortems, the disease also affects squirrels on the Isle of Wight and Brownsea Island, off the south coast of England. Little is currently known about how it spreads.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh will work with the National Trust and the Dorset Wildlife Trust. It is hoped their work will offer clues about how the disease is spread between squirrels and how conservationists can help to control it.

Brownsea Island is home to around 200 red squirrels. Leprosy is thought to have been present on the island for some time, but it has only just been diagnosed as such.

Vets will use humane traps to capture the squirrels, before taking blood samples and other clinical samples for analysis.

Across the UK, there are thought to be less than 140,000 red squirrels left. The primary threats to their survival are habitat loss and squirrel pox virus.

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.