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Public urged to listen for tawny owls
The survey aims to establish the impact of light pollution and urbanisation on tawny owl populations.
Survey launched to better understand species’ status
 
The British public is being urged to listen out for the familiar ‘hooting’ and ‘kee-wick’ calls of Tawny owls this autumn and winter, following concerns that the species may be in decline.

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has launched the Tawny Owl Calling Survey in response to the species being moved to the Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern. It calls on participants to listen out for tawny owls from their garden, local park or woodland between 30 September 2018 and 31 March 2019.

“The hooting or “twoo” sound is usually made by the male and is a territorial call,” researchers said on the BTO’s website. “You can sometimes hear a female responding to a male’s “twoo” call with a sharp “kee-wick”. Together this duet produces the classic “twit twoo” sound, which many people associate with these owls.”

Besides increasing understanding of tawny owl calling behaviour, the survey aims to establish the impact of light pollution and urbanisation on their populations. The data will build on information collected by more than 3,465 volunteers in 2005/06 when a similar survey found the time of day, moon cycle and weather impacted calling behaviour.

Claire Boothby, Survey Organiser at BTO, explained: "You can listen from pretty much anywhere you like for 20 minutes one evening a week. Anyone can take part, and the more people that do the better picture scientists at BTO will have of our Tawny Owls – you can even do it from the comfort of your bed."

For more information about the survey, visit the BTO website or email gbw@bto.org

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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.