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Views sought on strengthened protections for seabirds
The proposal to extend the SPA on the Isles of Scilly will protect populations of great black-backed gulls.

Government announces plans to extend Isles of Scilly Special Protection Area

Residents on the Isles of Scilly are being urged have their say on plans to strengthen protections for seabirds.

On Tuesday (26 February) Natural England announced plans to extend the existing Isles of Scilly Special Protection Area (SPA) by around 13,000 hectares.

The move would recognise the importance of additional species for the first time, including the Manx shearwater, European shag and great black-backed gulls. It would also recognise areas the birds use for feeding, resting, pressing and social interactions - not just those used for nesting.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “Our coastline is home to some of the most magnificent wildlife in the world and we are proud to be a world leader in protecting our marine environment.

“It is suggested that these new protections will provide thousands of birds on the Isles of Scilly with a safe haven for foraging and feeding, safeguarding precious marine habitats for future generations. I welcome the consultation and encourage local residents to give their views."

Interim chief executive of Natural England Marian Spain said: “Extending the Isles of Scilly Special Protection Area would bring huge benefits for some of our most important seabird colonies.

“We look forward to hearing what people think and, hopefully working with everybody who lives, works in and visits the Scillies to make these plans become a reality and make this coastline a key addition to the UK’s marine protection network."

The Isles of Scilly are home to more than 8,000 pairs and 13 different species of seabird. By extending the boundary, Natural England says that it will be helping to maintain healthy and productive breeding colonies ‘for generations to come’.

Special Protections Areas are chosen to protect populations of rare and vulnerable seabirds from human activity, whilst minimising disruption to the birds’ open feeding areas.  There are currently 47 sites designated in waters around England.

The consultation is now open and will run until 21 May 2019. The public can view the consultation details on gov.uk and can respond online, by email or by post.

Image (C) Anne Burgess.

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.