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RSPCA sees highest hedgehog intake in three years
The RSPCA expects more hedgehogs to be admitted before the end of the year.
2,002 hedgehogs have been admitted this year so far.

The RSPCA has praised the rescue work of members of the public as it sees its highest intake of hedgehogs in three years.

The animal welfare charity hopes members of the public can continue to support them in protecting hedgehog wellbeing.

So far in 2024, the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres have admitted 2,002 hedgehogs. This is already 54 per cent more hedgehogs than 2022 and an increase on the 1,928 brought in during the entirety of 2023.

This included 659 hedgehogs admitted to wildlife centres in September and October alone. This is 114 more hedgehogs than during the same period last year.

The RSPCA expects this number to keep rising before the end of the year.

The charity has expressed its gratitude to members of the public, who were responsible for bringing in 77 per cent of the hedgehogs seen in 2023. It is keen for more people to understand what to do if they think a hedgehog needs help.

Due to recent mild weather, some hedgehogs have had a second litter of hoglets. There is still time for these hoglets to fatten up during the winter and they should generally be left where they are to feed.

These small hoglets may come out earlier in the evening to forage for food, and can be monitored to make sure they are well.

Adult hedgehogs are more likely to go foraging during the night and, if they weigh over 450g, should be well enough to hibernate in the winter. They are also able to forage at least once during the winter, so leaving food, such as meat-based pet food, out can help.

The RSPCA advises that hedgehogs are only brought in if they are visibly weak, unstable, injured or affected by parasites. They can also be rescued if they are clearly underweight, out in frosty conditions or found in a dangerous place.

Rebecca Macchin, an RSPCA wildlife expert, said: “When an animal is in need, the quicker they get help the better.

“By rescuing small sick and injured animals such as hedgehogs yourselves, it frees up our teams to focus their specialist skills on investigating cruelty and neglect, and reaching more victims who urgently need our help.”

Image © RSPCA

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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...
News Shorts
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.