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Scottish SPCA appeals for food donations for fox cubs
"If anyone can help with food for these young mammals, we would appreciate anything that people can spare." Steven Gray.

Charity expects 'busy year' for wildlife admissions

The Scottish SPCA is asking animal lovers in Scotland to donate vital resources to help the charity care for fox cubs brought into it's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross.

As fox cub season approaches, the charity expects to take in high numbers of infant foxes and staff members will have to take on the difficult task of nurturing them back to health.

2019 was the Scottish SPCA's (SSPCA) busiest year ever, with more than 11,000 wildlife casualties admitted. Although the pandemic caused a significant drop in the number of animals brought into its wildlife hospital, the charity still treated more than 7,000 wild animals in 2020.

Centre manager Steven Gray said: “As we are entering fox cub season, we are appealing for Pedigree puppy food and puppy milk.

“Last year, we cared for 76 foxes. 39 of those were fox cubs. It can be a struggle to keep up with so many hungry mouths to feed.

“We expect to be even busier with admissions this year so we need help from members of the public. If anyone can help with food for these young mammals, we would appreciate anything that people can spare.”

Anyone living in the Fishcross area can drop off puppy food and milk directly to the SSPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre. While those further afield can purchase supplies from the charity's Amazon wishlist.

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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.