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DNA samples taken to prove seal pups are twins
Image: David Steel
Pups will be the first twins born on the Farne Islands

A pair of seal pups are thought to be the first set of twins born on the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast. All will be revealed after DNA samples taken from the young seals are tested.

David Steel, a National Trust ranger, spotted the to two grey seal pups after he had been monitoring a pregnant seal on the islands.

Multiple births in grey seals are rare, and no records have been found to suggest any other twin pups have been born on the islands in the past. DNA samples have been taken to prove these pups are the first.

Mr Steel commented on the new arrivals: "Both are doing well and are close to independence.

"With the help of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, a DNA sample has been taken from both pups so we can prove without doubt that we do have a pair of grey seal twins - the first ever wild documented occurrence.

Both pups are male and as part of the process their body weights were taken, which are hovering around the 31kg mark, so hopefully they are heading towards being a huge success.

Ailsa Hall, acting director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, said it was "extremely rare" for twins to be born in grey seals and to her knowledge had not been recorded anywhere.

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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.