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Threatened swans see baby boom
Increase in number of Bewick swans reported

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) has reported an increase in the number of young Bewick swans this year.

Though the species of endangered swan has dramatically declined since the 1990s, the number of young has risen this winter.

Over the last 10 years, there was an average of just 10 per cent of young Bewicks each winter, however, there has been 17.6 per cent this year, according to WWT.

Bewick swans are the smallest swans in Europe, and have a small, yellow blob on their black beaks. Up to 7,000 of them will migrate 2,500 miles from their breeding grounds in Russia, to spend their winter in the warmer climates of northern Europe.

Also reported this year, is the highest number of young swans overall since 2001 across northern Europe.

Ornithologists still don't fully understand why the Bewick swan population has been dramatically declining, though illegal shooting and lead poisoning are known dangers.

Jullia Newth, of WWT, said ornithologists are trying to work out why there has been a swan baby boom this year.

"Weather is thought to be a big factor, but it is not yet fully clear so we can only speculate at this stage," she said.

"But this year's good breeding season is very welcome news."

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."