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Wild Welfare launches free digital education programme
"We can empower animal care staff to understand what good animal welfare looks like and what the animals in their care need." Simon Marsh, Wild Welfare.

Online resource aims to tackle global animal welfare issues

A new, free online animal husbandry programme has been created by charity Wild Welfare, as part of its global work to improve the welfare of captive animals across the world.

The open-access online programme – called Wild About Welfare – provides a comprehensive introduction to animal husbandry for animal care staff in zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries.

It was produced in collaboration with The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE) at the University of Edinburgh.

The programme is split into separate modules on subjects such as animal behaviour, animal welfare needs and animal enrichment. It can be taken one module at a time or as a complete course.

The resource can be accessed on smartphones, tablets and computers and includes videos, pictures and interactive quizzes.

Dr Heather Bacon, OBE of JMICAWE, who worked on developing the content with the Wild Welfare team said: “We are delighted to partner with Wild Welfare on producing this important educational resource.

“Our team has established expertise in animal behaviour and welfare science, and digital education.

“Combining this with the practical experience and expertise of the Wild Welfare team, has resulted in an accessible, interactive resource that aims to improve captive animal welfare globally, by inspiring caregivers to optimise animal husbandry in wildlife facilities.”

Wild Welfare aims to address knowledge gaps that may result in captive animal suffering, drawing on its research into the most common captive animal welfare issues.

Simon Marsh, Wild Welfare's acting UK director, added: “This programme will enable animal care staff the opportunity to address these issues and improve animal welfare.

“Education is key, and by offering people a way to access good quality information, we can help ensure they are better able to play their part in providing good welfare for the animals in their care.”

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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.