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Rare tiger arrives at Chester Zoo
“Dash is a handsome, confident young tiger and he’s quickly settled into his new surroundings" - Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo.
Dash is on a vital mission to save his species from extinction. 

Conservationists at Chester Zoo are celebrating the arrival of a rare Sumatran tiger.

Three-year-old male Dash travelled from Ireland's Fota Wildlife Park as part of a breeding programme for the critically-endangered species.

Dash has been genetically matched with Chester Zoo's resident female, Kasarna, who was born in 2015. Experts hope the pair will hit it off and go on to play a vital role in saving their species from extinction.

Mike Jordan, director of animals and plants at Chester Zoo, said: “Dash is a handsome, confident young tiger and he’s quickly settled into his new surroundings. He’s been carefully matched with female tiger Kasarna, based on his age, character and his genetics, and we’re hopeful that they’ll soon strike up a close bond and, one day, go on to have cubs.”

Sumatran tigers are listed as critically endangered by the Internal Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with as few as 400 remaining in the wild. Their populations have taken a tumble owing to mass-scale habitat loss, poaching and human-tiger conflict. 

Mike added: “Without conservation efforts like these, the future for the Sumatran tiger may soon look similar to that of Javan, Caspian and Balinese tigers, which heartbreakingly are all now extinct. We have it in our power not to let that happen and we’re going to do everything we can to ensure it doesn’t.” 

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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.