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Calls to close Japan’s domestic ivory market
Under current laws, ivory businesses are regulated but trade between individuals is not, unless tusks are involved.
Growing trend for buying ivory for illegal export 

Conservationists are calling for the closure of Japan’s domestic ivory market, as it emerges there is a growing trend for visitors to purchase ivory for illegal export.

A new report by the wildlife trade monitoring network, TRAFFIC, shows “without doubt” that Japan’s largely unregulated domestic ivory market is contributing to illegal trade.

TRAFFIC carried out surveys and interviews in in both physical and online markets in Japan from May to September this year. Covert interviews with ivory vendors found that 73 per cent were actively promoting purchases that lead to illegal ivory exports - even giving advice on how best to conceal ivory products with permits in luggage.

One of the report’s authors, Tomomi Kitade, said: “It is imperative that Japan’s role within international illegal ivory trade be recognised, and urgent steps taken to address the on-going illegal export and the regulatory gaps that are facilitating such criminal activity.”

Evidence also shows online platforms are being used to purchase worked ivory products, with a recent seizure by China’s customs authority, when 1,639 pieces of worked ivory and carved tusks.

Under current laws, ivory businesses are regulated but trade between individuals is not, unless tusks are involved.

Commenting on the findings, Gavin Edwards, conservation director of WWF Hong Kong: “This evidence acts as a timely reminder of the urgent need to shut down legal ivory markets which are exacerbating illegal trade.”

China’s legal ivory trade is set to close on 31 December. WWF and TRAFFIC are using Japan and other key countries to close their legal ivory trades, which China is set to do on 31 December.

Commenting on the findings, Gavin Edwards, conservation director of WWF Hong Kong: “This evidence acts as a timely reminder of the urgent need to shut down legal ivory markets which are exacerbating illegal trade.

 “Regular travellers are likely to continue buying ivory and evidence suggests some ivory markets are gearing up to target Chinese tourists. We must quash this trend. With an average of 55 elephants poached daily for ivory, we simply can’t let ivory markets remain open.”

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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.