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Hedgehog sightings continue to fall
“It’s alarming to see numbers of our cherished hedgehogs continuing to decline".
Nearly six in 10 gardeners did not see any hedgehogs last year 

Sightings of hedgehogs are down for the third consecutive year, with nearly 60 per cent of people saying they did not see a single hedgehog in their gardens last year.

This is according to an annual survey by Gardeners’ World magazine.

Out of 1,718 survey participants, only nine per cent said they regularly saw hedgehogs in their garden in 2017, compared to 12 per cent in 2016.

All in all, 57 per cent did not see any hedgehogs last year, which is up from 51 per cent in 2016 and 48 per cent in 2015.

Kevin Smith, deputy editor for the magazine, commented: “It’s alarming to see numbers of our cherished hedgehogs continuing to decline, as they’re such a vital part of any healthy garden and, more widely, our ecosystem.”

However, the survey also suggests greater awareness of the plight of hedgehogs is encouraging more gardeners to help them. One in six people said they had cut a hole in their garden fence to allow hedgehogs to roam, while 36 per cent retained leaves and twigs for nesting and 39 per cent had stopped using slug pellets.

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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.