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South African National Park reinforces security
World-famous Kruger park hires more Rangers.

Environment Minister Edna Molewa has announced that South Africa is recruiting another 150 extra Rangers to increase security at the world-famous Kruger National Park in an attempt to combat record levels of poaching rhinos for their horns.

Poaching is a serious problem for the Park. Eight rhinos were found dead in the Park in just one day last week. 448 rhinos were killed in South Africa as a whole last year, with half of those killings occurring in Kruger National Park itself.

Kruger National Park's Rangers are a trained armed force and are one of the few Park Ranger organisations in the world to boast their own air arm. 15 alleged poachers were shot dead and 131 more were arrested last year. This increase in strength will bring the total number of Rangers in the Park to 650, thus bringing their full complement in line with that of a light infantry battalion. A 150 kilometre (95 mile) electric barrier will also be built along the border with neighbouring Mozambique, due to the frequency with which poachers enter the park from across that border.

Growing demand for rhino horn in China and Vietnam has been blamed for the recent spike in rhino killings, and the weight-for-weight price of rhino horn has surpassed that of gold. Rhino horn is powdered for use in traditional medicines as a remedy for various illnesses including cancer, but the practice has been proven to have no actual scientific merit. Another destination for poached horns is the Middle East, where they are used to form handles for ornamental daggers.

South Africa has been hit particularly badly by the upsurge in poaching because it has the largest concentration of rhinos in the world. South Africa's estimated 20,000 rhinos constitute approximately 70-80% of the global total.

A government-commissioned study into whether legalising trade in rhino horn could help to bring down poaching is due in August.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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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.