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Asian hornet spotted in Berkshire
(Caption here)
The National Bee Unit has confirmed the sighting and is monitoring the situation. 

Defra is asking beekeepers and members of the public in the Berkshire area to remain vigilant after an Asian hornet was spotted in the Ascot area.

The sighting has been confirmed by the National Bee Unit, and the vicinity is being monitored for any further Asian hornets.

This is the first confirmed UK sighting in over a year – with the most recent confirmed sighting occurring in Gosport, Hampshire in September 2020. 

Nicola Spence, Defra's Chief Plant and Bee Officer, commented: “While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies and other beneficial insects.

“By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, we can take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets. 

“That’s why we are working at speed to locate and investigate any nests in the area following this confirmed sighting.”

Defra has said that anyone who suspects that they have seen an Asian hornet should report it using the phone app 'Asian Hornet Watch', using this online report form or emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk

Identification guides, along with further information, are available here, and Defra is advising members of the public to ensure that they do not approach or disturb a nest, as Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards humans, but can become aggressive when they perceive a threat to their nest. 

Nicola added: “Please continue to look out for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.” 

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.