Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Over 140 whales die in mass beaching in Western Australia
Short-finned pilot whales inhabit tropical and subtropical waters and may be seen in the hundreds.

Vets and volunteers fight to keep surviving whales alive

More than 140 whales have died after a mass beaching in Western Australia.

The whales washed up at Hamelin Bay on Friday morning (23 February), around 300km south of Perth. Local people have been urged to steer clear of the area whilst vets and volunteers assist with the care and rescue of the surviving whales.

In its latest update, Australia’s Parks and Wildlife Service said that of the seven surviving pilot whales released back into the sea, three have re-stranded while the remaining four have not been sighted.
The three that returned to the beach have been euthanised.

Parks and Wildlife Service incident controller Jeremy Chick said the department had conducted a comprehensive sea, air and ground search and had not found any additional or live whales.

“All the deceased whales have been removed at the main stranding site and the additional outlying sites. There are two deceased whales remaining in inaccessible terrain and a plan is being developed to remove them as soon as logistically possible.”

Short-finned pilot whales inhabit tropical and subtropical waters and may be seen in the hundreds. However, groups normally number less than 100.

The species normally stands en masse. In November 1984, nine pilot whales were found dead after beaching at Albany’s Ledge Point. Some 38 pilot whales were also stranded in April 1991 at Sandy Point, Victoria, but died within a few hours.

Parks and Wildlife Service staff said that its officers are now collecting DNA samples from the dead whales to try to ascertain how and why the whales became stranded.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.