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Rising temperatures will kill coral reefs, scientists warn
Coral reef
Some six million people around the world fish from coral reefs and another 400 million indirectly rely upon them for their livelihoods.
Festival told ‘it’s not too late to limit future changes’

Scientists have warned that rising sea temperatures will damage and kill coral reefs unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed.

Speaking ahead of the Edinburgh International Science Festival yesterday (3 April), Dr Fiona Murray of the University of Edinburgh said: “Warming climates are already damaging our oceans, but it is not too late to limit future changes and protect our valuable marine resources.”

Some six million people around the world fish from coral reefs and another 400 million indirectly rely upon them for their livelihoods. But greenhouse gas emissions are causing the seas to warm up and become more acidic.

Experts say that, if left unchecked, global warming is likely to affect seafood production. Excess heat causes increased coral bleaching in tropical seas, which can damage or kill coral. Shellfish stocks in Scotland may also be at risk, they add, unless steps are taken to limit global warming.

It is thought that by the year 2100 it will be necessary to treat affected UK waters to protect selfish production. Such practices have already been introduced along the coasts of Oregon and Washington, where in 2011 acidic conditions killed three-quarters of oyster larvae.

Rising levels of CO2 have already warned up the atmosphere and 90 per cent of this heat is taken up by the oceans. If greenhouse gas emissions were curbed, however, scientists expect this would limit further change and give ocean life a chance to adapt

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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.