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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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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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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