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ZSL partners with living biobank to save endangered wildlife
Nature’s SAFE has already successfully stored live cells from multiple endangered species through its partnerships.

The bank stores the living genetics of some of the planet's most threatened species.

ZSL London Zoo has announced a partnership with Nature's Safe, one of Europe's first Living Biobanks, to preserve the live genetics of some of the planet's most endangered species.

Through the partnership, ZSL will provide samples from post-mortems carried out at ZSL's London and Whipsnade conservation zoos.

From southern white rhinos to critically-endangered mountain chicken frogs, the samples will be sent to Nature's SAFE dedicated laboratory in Shropshire, where they will be processed and stored in a living state at -196°C.

Once thawed, the cells could one day be used in cell culture or assisted reproductive technologies to continue the existence of threatened species and maintain genetic diversity within the gene pool. 

ZSL senior vet, Dr Taina Strike, commented: “With so many animals at risk of extinction, outside-of-the-box thinking and collaboration is vital for the preservation of threatened species. For almost 200 years, international conservation charity ZSL has been at the forefront of wildlife science and conservation and we'll continue to explore all avenues to keep one step ahead of the threats facing animals across the world.”

Nature’s SAFE has already successfully stored live cells from multiple endangered species through its partnerships, including the black rhino, Asian elephant, eastern bongo and Javan green magpie.

Professor Suzannah Williams, chief scientist at Nature’s SAFE and founder of the Rhino Fertility Project at Oxford University, said: “Nature’s SAFE is acting now to preserve species before they are lost using both established methodologies and exploring the most promising innovations in assisted reproductive technologies; our partnerships are critical to achieving impact now and, in the future.

"It’s thanks to passionate organisations such as ZSL, that we can continue to develop innovative strategies to protect the incredible species on our planet.”

Image (C) ZSL London Zoo.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.