Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Three endangered Sumatran tigers found dead
There is only an estimated 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild.
The critically endangered tigers were discovered caught in snares.

On Indonesia's Sumatra Island, three critically endangered Sumatran tigers have been found dead, as reported by Associated Press (AP).

Local police chief in the East Aceh district of Aceh province, Hendra Sukmana, said that a female and a male tiger were found dead yesterday (24 April) with leg injuries caused by a snare trap. 

Another female tiger was found dead a few hours later 550 yards away, with a snare embedded in her neck and legs, which were almost severed. 

Snare traps are commonly used on Sumatra island by farmers to catch wild boar, which are considered disruptive pests. Sukmana said that the authorities have appealed to the community and to plantation companies to not set snares in forest areas. 

Sumatran tigers are the most critically endangered subspecies of tiger, with fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers estimated to remain in the wild. Under Indonesia's Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems law, anyone who intentionally kills a protected animal would face a fine of 100 million rupiah, and up to five years in prison. 

Agus Arianto, who heads the conservation agency in Aceh, told AP that an autopsy was underway to determine the causes of the tigers' death.

Arianto said: “We strongly condemned this incident and will cooperate with law enforcement agencies in an investigation.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.