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Critically endangered twin tiger cubs born
Melati with cub
Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, are being watched around the clock by staff on ‘cubcam’.

ZSL London Zoo welcomes two new Sumatran tigers

Hidden cameras captured the moment seven-year-old tigress Melati gave birth to cubs on Monday 27 June. After a 108-day pregnancy, the first cub arrived at 9.19am followed by the second at 10.02 in ZSL London Zoo’s ‘Tiger Territory’.

Assistant curator of mammals, Teague Stubbington, said: “We’re overjoyed with our new arrivals, and with how Melati is responding to her two cubs”.

The cubs are a significant addition to a critically endangered population of Sumatran tigers, estimated at approximately 300 worldwide. A huge achievement for ZSL London Zoo’s flagship breeding programme, the two cubs provide optimism for the long term prospects of the species.

As a culmination of ongoing work in Indonesia, country manager Anjar Rafiastanto, said: “ZSL has been in Sumatra for more than 14 years, working with our government counterparts to increase the protection of Sumatran tigers. The birth of these two tiger cubs brings us hope for their long-term survival.”

Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, are being watched around the clock by staff on ‘cubcam’, and remain largely hidden in special cubbing dens. Visitors to the zoo can still see father, Jae Jae, and may catch occasional glimpses of Melati when she emerges for food. Footage of the cubs will be revealed on ZSL’s YouTube channel.

Image © ZSL London Zoo
 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.