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World’s oldest land animal celebrates 191st birthday
Jonathan has outlived the species' 150 year life expectancy.
Jonathan the tortoise shows ‘no sign of slowing down’.

A tortoise, recognised as the world’s oldest living land animal and oldest chelonian, has celebrated what is estimated to be his 191st birthday.

Jonathan, a Seychelles giant tortoise, is believed to have been born in 1832, based on the fact he was at least 50 years old in 1882. However, this conservative estimate means he could be even older.

This means he has lived far longer than the species’ life expectancy of 150 years.

Jonathan arrived on the island of St Helena 141 years ago, and has resided at Plantation House, the home of St Helena’s governor, ever since.

In his lifetime, there have been eight British monarchs, 37 UK Prime Ministers and 40 US presidents.

He now spends his days relaxing in the sunshine with three other tortoises: David, Emma and Frederick. Even in his old age, his long-time veterinary surgeon Joe Hollins told Guinness World Records that Jonathan has a ‘good libido’, and still attempts to mate with both Emma and Frederick.

A typical, sunny day will see the 191-year-old taking in the heat by extending his long neck and legs to absorb heat and transfer it to his core. On cooler days, he buries himself under a mound of leaves or grass clippings and stays there all day.

Jonathan also loves his fruit and vegetables, with his 190th birthday cake including many of his favourite snacks such as cabbage, carrots and lettuce hearts.

Despite losing his sense of smell and much of his eyesight, Dr Hollins says he shows no sign of slowing down on his 191st.

Speaking to Guinness World Records, he said: “It is extraordinary to think that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on land, including of course the whole human race.

“Jonathan is in good health and all the indications at present make us hopeful that he will reach his third century – if indeed he hasn’t done so already!”

Image © Guinness World Records

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.