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Hundreds of birds found dead in Rome
"It can be that they died from fear" - International Organization for the Protection of Animals.
Animal welfare campaigners say fireworks are to blame.

Animal welfare campaigners are calling for a ban on fireworks after hundreds of birds were found dead on the streets of Rome, Italy, on New Year's Day. 

Video footage circulating online shows the birds - many of which are starlings – lying on the ground near the city's Termini Train station. Although it is not exactly clear how the birds died, the International Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) has attributed the deaths to fireworks.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: "It can be that they died from fear. They can fly up together and knock against each other, or hit windows or electric power lines. Let's not forget they can also die of heart attacks." 

The spokesperson added that fireworks cause stress and injury to wild birds and other animals - and the unusual amount of deaths occurred despite the city-wide ban on personal fireworks displays.

The OIPA is now calling for a complete ban on the sale of fireworks and firecrackers, but the RSPB says there is little evidence to suggest that fireworks harm wild birds or affect their conservation status. 

A statement on the RSBP's website reads: 'Available information suggests that the effect of firework displays on birds is little different from that of a thunderstorm. However, we will continue to monitor the situation and research to ensure the best course of action for wild bird conservation.

'Setting off fireworks close to nesting and roosting birds can cause disturbance. To minimise any adverse impact of fireworks on birds, we urge organisers of firework displays to avoid launching the rockets near to sensitive wildlife areas, such as nature reserves, and nesting and roosting sites for wild birds.'

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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
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.