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75 per cent of rats 'resistant to poison'
Three quarters of rats in parts of West building up resistance

An increasing number of rats in parts of West England are becoming more resistant to commonly sold poisons, scientists at Huddersfield University have found.

Researchers from the university have said that roughly 75 per cent of rats in Bristol, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire had built up a resistance, with the most serious mutations affecting rats in Bath and Wiltshire.

Experts have attributed this rise to the incorrect use of poisons where the dosages are too low, which mean the rats which are resistant to the poison are fattened up by the bait. They then survive and go onto mate with other resistant rats, thereby creating a generation of rats resistant to existing poisons.

Although mutations have been found in many areas of the UK, this study marks the first time the extent of the mutation has been measured in the west.

 

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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
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.