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Storms Blow Birds Away
James Lees with two Manx shearwaters.
Recent stormy weather blows rare birds off course.

Wardens at a nature reserve in Gloucestershire are keeping a weather eye out for injured seabirds after a number have been blown off course during recent storms.

Staff at Slimbridge Wetland Centre have already rescued a gannet and several Manx shearwaters after they arrived in the past few days and were too weak to feed. These Atlantic-dwelling species are rarely seen in Gloucestershire but have been blown hundreds of miles off course by the strong south westerly gales.

Other rare visitors, usually found in Arctic Canada, have also been buffeted all the way to Slimbridge. They include a buff-breasted sandpiper, two Sabine's gulls, two Arctic skuas and a guillemot.

More are expected to arrive overnight with the forecast of stronger winds.

Most of the arrivals are resting and feeding while they wait for the winds to drop but the staff have stepped in to save those who are particularly weak.
 
James Lees, reserve warden, said: “In many ways as a birdwatcher it is exciting to see these unusual visitors at Slimbridge but it is also sad to see some of the ones that are struggling."
 
He added: “We have managed to intervene successfully when necessary and are watching out for any other cases in which we need to step in." 

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."