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Major cull of feral camels underway
Feral camels are said to emerging from the arid landscape into nearby communities in search of water.
Cull not linked to Australia’s recent bushfires

A major cull of thousands of feral camels is underway in South Australia owing to extreme heat and drought.

The move comes after aboriginal communities in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) region said thousands of camels had been damaging their houses and other buildings.

In a statement, the APY said that feral camels are emerging from an arid landscape and moving into nearby communities in search of water. The cull is expected to last around five days and is being supported by the Department for Environment and Water.

APY's general manager Richard King said: “There is extreme pressure on remote Aboirignal [sic] communities in the APY lands and their pastoral [livestock] operations as the camels search for water. Given ongoing dry conditions and the large camel congregations threatening all of the main APY communities and infrastructure, immediate camel control is needed."

According to BBC News, the cull is not connected to Australia’s recent bushfires. Large regions of Australia have been in drought for many years.

APY executive board member Marita Baker, said: “We have been stuck in stinking hot and uncomfortable conditions, feeling unwell, because all the camels are coming in and knocking down fences, getting in around the houses and trying to get water through air-conditioners.

"They are roaming the streets looking for water. We are worried about the safety of the young children”.

The cull of the camels, along with some feral horses, is being carried out by aerial marksmen from Australia’s Department for Environment and Water.

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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.