Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Christmas comes early at London Zoo
Lion cubs’ first Christmas comes early with frankincense and myrrh-scented presents.

Squirrel monkeys and lion cubs tuck into festive treats.

Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have been getting into the festive spirit early by offering delicious treats and scented gifts to their animal residents.
 
Endangered lions Bhanu and Arya and their nine-month-old cubs, born at the zoo this year, woke up to find their home filled with golden presents, fragranced with frankincense and myrrh.

It is hoped the scented offerings will encourage the lions to test their incredible olfactory powers, investigating the unfamiliar smell and the wrapped present boxes.

A pile of small advent calendar boxes were also left out for the Zoo's group of black-capped squirrel monkeys, stuffed with their favourite seeds, nuts and snacks. 

Angela Ryan, London Zoo’s head of zoological operations, said: “Introducing these festive offerings to the animals’ habitats is a way to encourage the lions and monkeys to use their incredible exploratory skills.

“The Asiatic lions rely on their keen sense of smell to discover treats, while others, like the squirrel monkeys, will put their problem-solving skills to the test, figuring out how to access goodies hidden inside festive packaging.”

Image: ZSL London Zoo.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November.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.