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Smoking ban for Orangutan
Photo: COP
Orangutan's smoking habit to be stubbed out

Zookeepers in Indonesia are determined to help Tori the orang-utan overcome her decade-long smoking addiction.

Tori picked up the habit ten years ago by imitating zoo visitors, who would throw their cigarette butts into her open cage, and has been smoking ever since. She is said to hold up two fingers to her mouth to show that she wants a cigarette and grows angry and throws things if none are to hand.

Keepers at Taru Jurug zoo in Solo have tried luring the ape away with food and extinguishing cigarette butts with water, but with little success. Now, with help from the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) from Borneo, there are plans afoot to move Tori and her partner to a small island on the premisses by August.

It is hoped the large trees, rope swings and views over the facility will help Tori forget her addiction. Until then, extra volunteers from the centre are guarding her cage and mesh netting will be installed to prevent visitors throwing in cigarettes.

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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.