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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th August 2016
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Killer whales offer clues on human menopause
killer whales
Post-menopausal killer whales were observed leading their social groups in salmon foraging grounds.
Post-menopausal whales help family members to find food
 
New research shows female killer whales play a vital role in their social groups after menopause, helping their families to find food in difficult times.

Humans and some whales are the only species to live many years after giving birth to their last offspring. Female killer whales generally breed between the ages of 12 and 40 but they can live up to 90 years.

Researchers from the Universities of Exeter and York, in partnership with the Center for Whale Research in Washington State, explored why female killer whales live so long after menopause. It is thought these animals could offer insights into menopause in human females.

Professor Darren Croft from the University of Exeter told BBC News: "From an evolutionary perspective, it's very difficult to explain. Why would an individual stop having their own offspring so early in life?"

Studying orcas in the wild "could help us reveal some of the mystery of why menopause evolved," he added.

The team watched hundreds of hours' worth of video footage, showing the interactions of family groups in the North Pacific coast in the USA. Post-menopausal killer whales were observed leading their social groups in salmon foraging grounds. This leadership role was found to be much more prominent in difficult years when salmon was scarce.

Family social structures are known to be critical to whale survival and Prof Croft said the population they are working with are "living on a knife edge" which could see them go extinct in the next century.

"The population has been listed as endangered since 2003," he explained. "Two critical questions have been highlighted - what is causing decreased reproduction and increased mortality."

Now, researchers are planning to use drones to find out more about the social interactions of killer whales and how they support each other. They believe this could 'revolutionise' our understanding of whale behaviour. The team have launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund the next stage of their work.

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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.