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Saiga population doubles in Central Asia
Professor Richard Kock, of the Royal Veterinary College, warned that this welcome recovery “could be short-lived”.

‘Welcome recovery’ follows mass die-offs 

New figures suggest Central Asia’s population of critically endangered Saiga antelope has doubled since 2015, when the species suffered a mass die-off.

An international group dedicated to conserving the species presented their latest findings at a meeting in Germany on 1-4 April. The population now numbers 228,000, compared to around 103,000 in 2015.

Haemorrhagic septicaemia, caused by the bacterium
Pasteurella multocida, was found to be responsible for the deaths of more than 200,000 Saiga in Kazakhstan in 2015. Research suggests the deaths were ultimately linked to unusual climate conditions, causing warm, humid spring weather. The Mongolian population of Saiga later suffered an 80 per cent decline in 2017 due to the newly emerging viral disease peste des petits ruminants (PPR).

Recent improvements in population numbers are down to joint efforts of countries and organisations that signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to protect the species.

However, Professor Richard Kock, of the Royal Veterinary College, warned that this welcome recovery “could be short-lived” due to rapidly changing environmental conditions, which affect climate and Saiga habitat.

“Our work is vital to understanding the causes for death and possible mitigation that society can plan for this unique animal,” he added.

At the recent meeting in Germany, MOU stakeholders introduced a new plan, covering 2021-2025, which prioritises future actions for Saiga conservation, including measures relating to disease, sustainable trade, local awareness, habitat protection, monitoring, anti-poaching work and captive breeding.

The plan will be submitted for adoption at the fourth meeting of MOU members in Russia, 2020.

Image © RVC

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.