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Mars Petcare making significant progress towards fish sourcing goal
The WWF and Mars Petcare have renewed their global partnership until 2025.

Pet food company now sources 81 per cent of fish used from more sustainable sources.

Mars Petcare has announced that it is advancing towards its commitment to procure 100 per cent of fish for some of its pet food recipes from more sustainable sources.

In 2010, the company partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), setting the target of seeking 100 per cent sustainable sources of fish.

A new joint report from Mars Petcare and the WWF details the work that has been done over the past decade to achieve this goal. In this report, the company confirms that it now sources 81 per cent of fish used from more sustainable sources and it sources no endangered fish species.

The WWF and Mars Petcare have renewed their global partnership until 2025; Both to advance Mars' sourcing goals and to influence the fishing sector to move towards sustainability.

Mars Petcare states that it is working with organisations such as the Marine Stewardship Council, Monterey Bay Seafood Watch and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. As it continues to work towards its goal, the company will regularly evaluate where it sources its fish, the types of fish used, and practices across its supply chain.

Professor David Smith, chief marine scientist at Mars, Incorporated, said: “As we prepare for a future of more than 10 billion people and more pets, sustainable business practice which is led by science and cares about the planet and our oceans is essential.

“When we cemented the partnership with WWF over a decade ago, we were deeply aware that many fisheries around the world were on the verge of collapse and that several fish species were critically endangered and threatened by extinction.

“As we continue to play our part in supporting a future for ocean ecosystems, we are focused on sourcing from sustainably managed fisheries using no endangered species according to the IUCN Red List.”

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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.