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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
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.