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Escaped Lynx found in farmland

Two-year-old Flaviu arrived at Dartmoor Zoo from Port Lympne Wildlife Park, Kent, on Wednesday. 
Zookeepers set humane traps using meat bait

A lynx that escaped from Dartmoor Zoo is reported to be on farmland outside the boundary of the park.

According to BBC News, park staff have set 25 humane traps using meat bait to ensnare Flaviu, who escaped from his enclosure yesterday afternoon.

Keepers say that if the traps fail to work, they will make a “human cordon” with police officers to capture him.

Benjamin Mee, director of Dartmoor Zoo, told BBC News that he is confident they will find the missing lynx “as there are definately signs the traps have been explored.”

“We've been out this morning and will be out in the area checking the traps again later,” he said.

"He's probably asking himself 'why did I do this silly thing' as he will be getting very hungry. Hopefully we will catch him soon and return him back to the zoo."

Two-year-old Flaviu arrived at Dartmoor Zoo from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Kent, on Wednesday (7 July).

On Thursday morning, keepers discovered that he had escaped by chewing through a board in his enclosure.

The zoo was immediately evacuated and scores of police, tracker dogs, and drones have been searching for the missing animal ever since. 

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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.