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Cornwall Deer population rising
 
Photograph - Alan Spellman
20-strong herds spotted regularly

A population survey is being carried out to determine the current state of Cornwall's deer population. The survey was prompted by reports of regular sightings of 20-strong herds by the British Deer Society's South-West Branch, and its findings will be published in the summer. The presumed population rise is believed to stem from the 2001 Foot and Mouth Outbreak, which led to restrictions on the movements of livestock or culling outright and therefore allowed deer more space to roam.

Commenting, Regional Spokesperson of the British Deer Society Paul Messenger explained "I'm seeing a greater number and more people come to the society and say they saw one or two deer a few years ago but now they're seeing herds of 10 or 20 at a time."

The British Deer Society believe that approximately 350,000 deer are culled across the UK each year to prevent the damage to habitat and agriculture that accompanies overpopulation. "If deer are left to their own devices the numbers will continue to increase. We'll have more road traffic accidents, great losses to agriculture." Mr Messenger added.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.