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Trend for lion body parts ‘giving rise to poisoning’
Four lions were found poisoned on the border of the Chuilexi Conservancy late last year.
Funding helping to tackle the problem 

A leading conservation organisation has said that a growing trend for lion body parts has given rise to incidents of poisoning.

Fauna & Flora International notes that four lions were found poisoned on the border of the Chuilexi Conservancy late last year. The conservancy lies at the heart of the Niassa National Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in Mozambique.

'Niassa faces severe threats from settlement and agricultural expansion, and has recently witnessed an exponential rise in illegal resource extraction and poaching, particularly for ivory,' the organisation writes on its website.

'And now, a disturbing variation on the poaching theme has emerged: the burgeoning demand for lion parts, purportedly driven by China and Southeast Asia, has given rise to several incidences of lion poisoning.'

To tackle the problem, Flora & Fauna International have employed a 50-strong scout force equipped with the latest radio technology. Besides collecting data on lions and wild dogs, their increased presence serves as a strong deterrent to would-be poachers.

“We need perpetual vigilance to safeguard lions, wild dogs and other species from traditional and emerging threats to their survival within and outside the reserve,” explained Flora & Fauna International’s chief executive, Mark Rose. “The generous support that we receive for our activities in Chuilexi is vital to our continued success in this regard."

The Niassa National Reserve covers an area that is around twice the size of Wales. Home to 40 per cent of Mozambique’s elephants, it is one of the most important areas for lion and wild dogs in Africa.

The scout force has recorded wild dog packs containing up to 22 individuals in Chuilexi. Lion prides are typically in single figures, showing just how vulnerable they are to any further loss in numbers. 

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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.