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Hyena communication techniques
A report has found that hyenas communicate using odours

Hyenas communicate using bacteria in their scent glands, according to a study in the current issue of Scientific Reports.

The study highlights a relationship between hyena clans and the microbes in their scent glands, which contain "odour-producing bacterial communities". Hyenas can distinguish these odours, which differ for each social group, using their noses.

This information was gathered from paste samples of a sour-smelling hyena secretion on the grassy Kenyan plains, as well as samples from hyenas' scent pouches. The samples revealed similarities between deposits left by members of the same clan.

Further studies will look deeper into the relationship between the bacteria and individual hyena clans, as well as finding out what information is being conveyed in this way.

"A critical component of every animal's behavioural repertoire is an effective communication system," said Michigan State University postdoctoral researcher and co-author of the study, Kevin Theis. "It is possible that without their bacteria, many animals couldn't 'say' much at all.

"The complex social lives of [hyenas] may ultimately be reliant upon their unheralded symbiotic microbial communities," added Theis.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.