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Thousands of flamingos begin major breeding event
Biggest breeding event for five years

Many thousands of lesser flamingos have flocked to Lake Natron, in Tanzania, to begin nesting in what could become the most significant breeding event for five years.

75 per cent of the world population of the birds live in East Africa and use the lake as their nesting sites. It is one of nature's "fantastic spectacles", according to Sarah Ward, a PhD student at the University of Southampton.

East Africa's lesser flamingos are nomadic and feed in a chain of alkaline soda lakes along the Rift Valley. Lake Natron, however, is the only significant nesting site and "large breeding events involving over a million flamingos are not unusual, if conditions at Lake Natron are suitable and if the flamingos are in good health," Miss Ward explained.

While monitoring numbers is difficult, initial reports suggest there are hundreds of thousands of birds flocking to the site, meaning this could be the most significant breeding attempt since 2007.

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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.