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Airlifting endangered creatures 'safer than expected', study finds
The data debunked predictions that hanging upside-down by the feet was worse for rhinos' pulmonary function.

Findings provide vital information for conservationists.

A new study analysing the effects of airlifting black rhinoceroses while hanging them upside-down by their feet has found that this method of transportation is actually safer than previously thought.

While this technique of moving rhinos has been used by conservationists for ten years, there have been no studies which scientifically document the clinical effects of the practice on the animals during transportation or any potential negative effects it may have on them after waking up.

Researchers from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a field study, in collaboration with conservationists from Waterburg National Park in Nambia, where they examined 12 rhinos in two different positions: hanging by their feet from a crane to mimic the effects of air transport, or laying on their side as they would during the immediate period after darting and transport on a sledge.

They theorised that the airlifting method would be the most risky as it could exacerbate the dangerous effects of the anaesthesia drugs used to tranquillize the animals.

The team tested each rhino in both positions, which allowed them to make direct comparisons of breathing and circulation while the rhinos were hanging upside down or lying on their sides.

Lead author Dr Robin Radcliffe said: “Hanging rhinos upside-down actually improved ventilation (albeit to a small degree) over rhinos lying on their sides.”

“While this was unexpected, and the margins small, any incremental improvement in physiology helps to enhance safety of black rhinoceros during capture and anesthesia.”

In remote habitats such as those in Nambia, airlifting is often required for up to 30 minutes, so the researchers' next step is to extend the time that rhinos are suspended for to mimic the aerial transport of rhinos in the real world.

Dr Radcliffe concluded: “Now that we know that it’s safe to hang rhinos upside-down for short periods of time, we’d like to make sure that longer durations are safe as well.”

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.