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Monkey health check inspires budding vets
Max receiving a full-body health check by the veterinary team at ZSL London Zoo.

ZSL London Zoo's Vets in Action Week returns for 2022.

ZSL London Zoo has kicked off its award-winning Vets in Action week by sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a monkey getting a health check.

Vets in Action takes place over the February half-term (12-20 Feb), giving young visitors a chance to experience the large scope of work carried out by the Zoo’s vets, vet nurses and zookeepers.

In fascinating images released by the Zoo, nine-year-old colobus monkey Max can be seen having a full-body health check before getting a clean bill of health by the expert veterinary team.

ZSL’s head vet Amanda Guthrie said: “Max had a comprehensive health check this week under general anaesthetic, to make sure he is all set to relocate to his exciting new Monkey Valley home; after a dental check, x-rays, blood tests and even an ultrasound of his vital organs, he was confirmed fit and healthy and ready for his future move. 

“Over the coming weeks, Max’s fellow troop members will all get the same VIP health check – an important part of the ZSL vet team’s work, which our young visitors will get a taste of this February half-term during Vets in Action.” 

During Vets in Action Week, visitors will help experts examine, diagnose and carry out treatments on soft toys - from health checks on colobus monkeys to giving pregnant sloths an ultrasound. There will also be additional demonstrations and talks throughout the week explaining how the Zoo cares for its residents. 

Amanda added: “Every animal at the Zoo, from the smallest mongoose to the tallest giraffe, is treated by ZSL’s on-site vet team, who monitor their health alongside the zookeepers who care for them on a daily basis.” 

Image (C) ZSL London Zoo.

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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.