Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vigilance urged after Asian hornet spotted in Hampshire
Asian hornets have a distinctive orange stripe on the fourth segment of their sbdomen.

Species has the potential to devastate honeybee populations.

Government officials have urged vigilance after a sighting of an Asian hornet was confirmed in Gosport, Hampshire.

Nicola Spence, Defra's chief plant and bee officer, called on beekeepers and members of the public to keep a lookout for the species, which has the potential to devastate honeybee populations and other native insects.

“By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets,” she said. “That’s why we are working at speed to locate and investigate any nests in the area following this confirmed sighting.”

The Asian hornet is a notifiable non-native species that originates from Asia. It was first identified in France in 2004 and has since spread rapidly throughout the country.

Although Asian hornets pose no more risk to human health than wasps, they are a serious threat to honeybees. Work is ongoing by the National Bee Unit to monitor their activity and to identify any nests.

Asia hornets are notifiable by their black bodies and distinctive orange stripe on the fourth segment of their abdomens. Measuring around 25mm in length, they also have brown legs with yellow tips that look like they have been dipped in paint.

“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects,” Ms Spence added. “Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”

The confirmed sighting in Gosport is the first since October 2019, when two related nests were detected and destroyed in Dorset.

Image (C) Defra.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.