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Scottish SPCA appeals for food donations for fox cubs
"If anyone can help with food for these young mammals, we would appreciate anything that people can spare." Steven Gray.

Charity expects 'busy year' for wildlife admissions

The Scottish SPCA is asking animal lovers in Scotland to donate vital resources to help the charity care for fox cubs brought into it's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross.

As fox cub season approaches, the charity expects to take in high numbers of infant foxes and staff members will have to take on the difficult task of nurturing them back to health.

2019 was the Scottish SPCA's (SSPCA) busiest year ever, with more than 11,000 wildlife casualties admitted. Although the pandemic caused a significant drop in the number of animals brought into its wildlife hospital, the charity still treated more than 7,000 wild animals in 2020.

Centre manager Steven Gray said: “As we are entering fox cub season, we are appealing for Pedigree puppy food and puppy milk.

“Last year, we cared for 76 foxes. 39 of those were fox cubs. It can be a struggle to keep up with so many hungry mouths to feed.

“We expect to be even busier with admissions this year so we need help from members of the public. If anyone can help with food for these young mammals, we would appreciate anything that people can spare.”

Anyone living in the Fishcross area can drop off puppy food and milk directly to the SSPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre. While those further afield can purchase supplies from the charity's Amazon wishlist.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.