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Spider causes alert at German bank
German police amused by false alarm

The Landespolizei (State's Police) of Lower Saxony responded urgently to a call-out in Uelzen last week when an alarm went off after hours in a bank. Having naturally expected to find that a serious crime was in progress, the officers were puzzled to find the bank's doors still locked and no signs that any crime had taken place.

The officers, electing to be on the safe side, called the bank's caretaker to get the doors unlocked. They went inside to investigate further and undertook a full search, which confirmed that no-one had forced entry and that the vault had not been tampered with. It was at this point, however, that the officers discovered that a spider had crawled onto a motion sensor, thus triggering the bank's alarm system.

Fortunately, the officers took the matter in good humour. “After thorough questioning the spider was told to move on. It'll have to look now for a new home," a police statement joked.

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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
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.