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Escaped snake reunited with owner after 18 months
corn snake
Paul was reunited with Heston after providing descriptions of very distinctive marks matching those of the escapee.

Pet rescued from neighbour’s drainpipe
 
Heston, the corn snake, escaped from his vivarium and has been found 18 months later at a neighbouring property in Strand Road, Wirral.

Animal welfare officer John Littlewood was called to the home to rescue Heston last Wednesday, after he was spotted slithering out of plastic piping from a neighbour’s washing machine.

Owner Paul Sheratt was "shocked" when the snake was confirmed as Heston, after giving up hope of finding him. "I was talking to a neighbour when they mentioned that a snake had been found at one of the houses on the street. When they described it to me it did sound just like Heston."

Mr Sheratt was reunited with Heston after providing descriptions of very distinctive marks matching those of the escapee.

Mr Littlewood said: "It is very unusual for a snake to survive on his own in the open for so long as snakes have very particular environmental needs."

The RSPCA are advising owners to ensure their vivaria are safe and secure to prevent snakes escaping.

Mr Sheratt is delighted to have him home. "It’s great to have him back. We just wonder where he has been all this time!"

Image © RSPCA

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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Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November.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.