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Michaela Strachan urges public to sign up for Blue Cross virtual run
Pictured - Michaela Strachan with her dog Rio.

Rescue Run takes place from 1 – 31 May 2021.

Wildlife TV presenter Michaela Strachan is urging pet lovers to take part in the Blue Cross Rescue Run – a virtual challenge in which entrants aim to run 26.2 miles over the month of May.

All funds raised as part of the event will go towards helping Blue Cross continue to care for sick, injured and homeless pets. According to the charity, last year it cost £909 on average to care for and rehome a dog, and £567 for a cat. Blue Cross recieves no government funding and so relies on voluntary donations and fundraising events to continue operating.

As the event is virtual, it can be completed anywhere and at a pace that each individual can set. Progress can be logged on each entrant's fundraising page and once the distance is completed they'll receive a medal to mark their efforts.

Participants of any age are welcome to take part. They can form teams – as long as social distancing guidelines are observed – and can even complete the challenge with their dogs.

In a press release about the event, Michaela Strachan said: “It’s National Pet Month and I’m urging animal lovers to take part in the Blue Cross ‘Rescue Run’ to help the charity care for pets in need.

“Every penny raised will go towards helping the thousands of homeless, abandoned, sick and injured pets the charity takes in each year and each participant receives a special medal when they have completed their virtual marathon.”

The Blue Cross Rescue Run runs from 1 May to 31 May. Information on how to sign up can be found at www.bluecross.org.uk/rescuerun

Image (c) Blue Cross.

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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.