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Canada becomes leading exporter of Mexican tarantulas
Mexican breeders legally produce between 11,000 and 14,000 tarantulas every year.
Breeders trading more species to meet growing demand

Canada has overtaken Mexico to become the leading exporter of Mexican tarantulas.

According to BBC News, Mexican biodiversity expert Heiquio Benítez said that Canadian breeders were trading 14 species, while Mexican breeders were only exporting around five or six.

He added that growing demand for the arachnid had led Canadians to start breeding their own, instead of buying them from Mexico.

Mr Benetiz is reported to have made the comments at an international workshop on the trade and application of tarantulas, organised by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the Mexican Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity.

According to Mexico’s Biodiversity Commission, 14 out of the 24 species of Mexican tarantula live in Mexico. They are highly valued in the international pet trade, where an adult can fetch up to $8,000 pesos (around £300).

Every year, Mexican breeders legally produce between 11,000 and 14,000 tarantulas and individuals are exported to Canada and the United States. Recent demand from China, Japan and the European Union, however, has seen many breeders seize the opportunity to increase production.

To legally export Mexican tarantulas, breeders must obtain a permit or certificate issued by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The document confirms that the individuals come from a sustainable use and does not represent a risk to wild populations.

The Trinational Workshop on Trade and Application of Legislation on Tarantulas was attended by more than 40 experts among producers, importers, marketers, investors, civil society and authorities from Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The event examined a number of ways to promote the legal, sustainable and traceable trade of Mexican tarantulas as a strategy for their conservation. 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.