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Squirrels affected by climate change
Hibernation is prolonged for Columbian ground squirrels

Columbian ground squirrels from the Rocky Mountain range in Canada are hibernating ten days longer than they used to, due to the affects of climate change.

A team from the University of Alberta (U of A) in Canada have been researching the hibernation trends of these squirrels over the last 20 years, and have discovered that they are now hibernating for ten days longer, which is having a harmful affect on the species.

Trends show that the late spring snowfall in the Rocky Mountain area may be the cause for the late wake up call, and the research teams' concern is that the squirrels are already on a tight schedule.

'Losing just ten days during their short active period reduces their opportunity to eat enough food so they can survive through the next hibernation period of eight to nine months,' said Jeff Lane, U of A Evolutionary Ecologist. 'Our data shows that over the life of the study, the survival rate of adult females has fallen by 20 per cent'.

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk