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Hornbill parts for sale on Thai social media
There were at least 236 online posts offering 546 hornbill parts and products on Facebook. (Screenshots by TRAFFIC)
Study finds hundreds of illegal parts being sold on Facebook 

Hundreds of hornbill parts and products have been listed for sale on Thai social media in the past five years, according to a new study.

Wildlife monitoring group TRAFFIC found a minimum of 236 online posts offering at least 546 hornbill parts and products on 32 Facebook groups.

The online study was carried out over a six month period, but looked at posts from June 2014 to April 2019. It is the first systematic study to provide evidence of the trade in helmeted hornbill parts in Thailand, which accounted for the majority (83 per cent) of recorded hornbill commodities.

Researchers also found 94 whole heads of eight other hornbill species, all of which are native to Thailand and prohibited from hunting and trade in the country.

Conservationists said the findings are particularly troubling, as trade in the species has risen over the past decade, due to demand for their solid bill casque, which is carved as an alternative to elephant ivory.

Populations have been declining in recent years as a result of illegal hunting and trafficking, prompting the species to be uplisted to ‘critically endangered’ on the IUCN red list.

Tackling the trade
At the 18th Cites meeting in Geneva, which closes today (28 August), governments agreed tougher measures to eliminate trade threats affecting the species.

TRAFFIC said Thai authorities have taken successful enforcement action in at least five of the online cases, but the activity is persistent. Cursory checks of the 32 groups this month revealed helmeted hornbill products are still being offered for sale. A number of pages and posts have been deleted, which could be down to action taken by Facebook or law enforcement agencies.

Co-author of the report Kanitha Krishnasamy said: “Taking down posts serves to reduce opportunities for buyers to make a purchase. But our years of monitoring online trade clearly show that when posts are taken down, trade activity simply resumes after a brief lull when traders lay low to avoid detection.

“We fully recognise that tackling the illegal wildlife trade online comes with its own set of challenges, but key to any success is to pursue investigations and collaboration with all the right partners.”

In April this year, Facebook also banned the trade in live animals from non-verified businesses, as well as the trade in endangered species and their products.

TRAFFIC is urging the social media platform, and Thai authorities, to continue being vigilant and work closely to develop strategies for tackling the trade. Social media users can also have a positive impact by reporting suspicious posts online. 

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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.