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Hen harriers '10 times more likely to die or disappear on grouse moors'
“These analyses... confirm what has long been suspected – that illegal persecution is having a major impact on the conservation status of this bird.”
Study sheds light on fate of tagged birds 

Seven in 10 hen harriers that were satellite tagged in England are thought to have been illegally killed, a long-term study has found.

The research, published in Nature Communications, also revealed that hen harriers are 10 times more likely to die or disappear in areas predominantly covered by grouse moor.

Scientists from Natural England studied 58 tagged hen harriers over a 10-year period. Analysis was led by the University of Cape Town and Aberdeen University, with land use data from RSPB.

Natural England director Rob Cooke said the findings make for “sobering reading”.

Stephen Murphy, who led the data collection for the study, added: “These analyses are a significant step in understanding the fate of tagged hen harriers, and confirm what has long been suspected – that illegal persecution is having a major impact on the conservation status of this bird.”

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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.