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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th February 2017
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Hen harrier vanishes in North Yorkshire
hen harrier
The disappearance of a hen harrier is “deeply concerning”.
Disappearance is a ‘serious blow’ to the population

A juvenile hen harrier has been reported missing from Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire.

The young male, named Mick, is the fifth hen harrier to vanish in Northern England in just four months and his loss has been described as a ‘serious blow’.

Mick fledged in Northumberland last summer and was satellite tagged by a hen harrier expert from Natural England in July. His tag stopped transmitting in the Thwaite area on 21 December but searches have found no trace of the bird or equipment.

Natural England has reported the disappearance to North Yorkshire Police and is working with wildlife crime officers, local landowners, the Moorland Association and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Rob Cooke, a director at Natural England, said the disappearance of a hen harrier is “deeply concerning”.

David Butterworth, chief executive at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, added: “It’s incredibly disappointing that the Yorkshire Dales’ reputation as a wonderful place to visit is being damaged by incidents like this. We have pledged to provide whatever support we can to help the Police and Natural England find out what happened in this particular case.”

Police are asking anyone with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. When passing information, quote the reference number 12170014975.

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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.