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Orphaned otter cubs found wandering streets of Inverkeithing
The cubs (pictured), named Inver and Forth, were found in Inverkeithing on 6 February.

Scottish SPCA cares for cubs at National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Two otter cubs are currently being cared for by the Scottish SPCA after they were found wandering the streets by members of the public on Saturday 6 February.

The cubs – one male and one female – are around three to four months old. The Scottish SPCA suspects that their mother was involved in a road traffic accident or some other disturbance and didn't make it back to the cubs.

They were spotted wandering down the road in Inverkeithing on Saturday night. The female cub was followed to a nearby field by members of the public, who then contacted the rescue charity.

Centre manager Steven Gray said: “The pair wouldn’t have survived on their own as they rely on mum so we are thankful the members of the public contacted us.

“The female has been named Inver and the male has been called Forth.

“They will stay with us until they are around 12 to 14-months-old, just like with mum in the wild. We will teach them how to feed and take care of themselves and will release them when they are ready.”

The charity reminded members of the public not to approach an otter if they spot them as the animal may feel threatened and use its strong bite to defend itself.

Instead anyone who finds an otter that they suspect needs help should monitor it from a safe distance and then contact the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Image (c) Scottish SPCA.

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.