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Search continues for runaway raccoon
Raccoons are among the animals kept at Sunderland Training and Education Farm.
The missing mammal is believed to be hiding in woodland.

The hunt to find a raccoon on the loose from a community farm in Sunderland has passed the fifty-day mark.

Meeko and two female racoons are believed to have been let out by a trespasser on 18 December. The two females were soon lured back by hot dogs left in a crate at the farm, but Meeko is yet to be caught.

Efforts to recapture Meeko are being led by Raccoon Rescue UK. The escapee is thought to be hiding in local woodland and paw-print evidence suggests he may be returning to the farm to eat before heading back to the woods.

Humane traps have been set at the farm and in the woodland.

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.