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Crocodile Attacks Lawnmower
Australian crocodile attacks and destroys machine.

The keepers of Elvis, a 50 year old saltwater crocodile of unusual violence from the Australian Reptile Park in Sydney, were obliged to effect a daring rescue of a lawnmower after the irritated reptile attacked and seized it from Operations Manager Tim Faulkner and Keeper Billy Collett.

Elvis, presumably objecting to the noise of the machine, pulled the machine under water in his enclosure and 'drowned' it. He then sat patiently watching his catch for over an hour.

''Once he got it, he just sat there and guarded it,'' said Mr Faulkner. ''It was his prize, his trophy. If it moved, then he would attack it again.''

The lawnmower was eventually recovered when Mr Collett bravely decoyed Elvis to the other end of the enclosure with kangaroo meat, allowing Mr Faulkner to jump the fence and hurriedly retrieve it. Upon closer inspection, the lawnmower was discovered to be damaged beyond repair. Elvis also lost two teeth, possibly when his teeth punctured the mower's top casing.

This is not the first time Elvis has acted violently. He was first caught after attacking fishing boats in Darwin Harbour and he ate two females at the Crocodile Farm shortly after being taken into captivity.

''He is so full of testosterone that he views everything as a threat,'' explained Mr Faulkner. ''Even potential mates.''

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Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November.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