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Cute animals may improve work
Researchers find animals can help you concentrate

A study has found that looking at pictures of cute animals can improve concentration.

It is believed that positive emotion is triggered by cute images, and anything that gives a person happiness, pleasure or joy results in motivation.

Researchers from Hiroshima University in Japan used three groups of students for the study; one group looked at pictures of puppies and kittens, the second looked at adult animals and the third looked at tasty food.

The study found that those students with pictures of puppies and kittens had an increase in performance by an average of 10 per cent.

However, adult animal pictures only improved performance by an average of five per cent, and food pictures had no effect on performance.

The research suggests that the cute pictures can motivate people to perform tasks with greater time and care.

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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.