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Edinburgh Zoo makes Hogmanay fireworks appeal
“Firework control zones are a positive step, but only part of the solution, as the noise from explosions can carry over long distances” – Ben Supple.
The zoo has asked nearby residents not to set off fireworks.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has urged residents near Edinburgh Zoo not to let off fireworks during Hogmanay, after a three-month-old red panda died at the zoo last month.

Roxie choked on her own vomit on 5 November. Veterinary experts at the zoo believe her death may have been caused by the stress of fireworks being set off in the city for Bonfire Night.

Her mother, Ginger, also died unexpectedly five days before, and her death may also have been linked to fireworks.

Because there is not enough time for the City of Edinburgh Council to consult on a fireworks exclusion zone for the area around the zoo, RZSS is appealing to residents not to set any off during Hogmanay celebrations.

The zoo is also planning to protect animals from any fireworks by keeping them indoors and, where possible, providing them with deep bedding to reduce noise impact. Long-term, RZSS is calling for tighter restrictions on the sale of fireworks.

Ben Supple, RZSS’s deputy chief executive, said: “We have been inundated by messages from people who were shocked by what happened to Roxie and believe the UK government should ban fireworks from being sold to the public due to the severe impact they can have on animals.

“Firework control zones are a positive step, but only part of the solution, as the noise from explosions can carry over long distances. So-called silent fireworks are also an improvement, though they can emit low frequency sounds which can cause distress to animals.

“We believe displays should be restricted to organised events which use the latest light and drone technology and are completely silent. This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations like Hogmanay.”

Image © Shutterstock

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FIVP Practice Matters podcast returns for Series 2

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced that its podcast, FIVP Practice Matters, will be returning for a second series next year.

The bi-weekly podcast will return on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 with an episode on sustainability with Alison Lambert. The second series will include a range of new and familiar guests sharing veterinary initiatives and news from independent practices.

The podcast is available on Spotify and will now also be released on Apple Podcasts. More details about FIVP and the podcast can be found on its website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Further cases of H5N1 confirmed in Norfolk

APHA has officially confirmed that two more cases of H5N1 have been found on premises in Norfolk.

Testing confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was present at premises near Attleborough, as well as premises near Hingham in South Norfolk. The case near Hingham follows a slaughter on suspicion which was declared on 23 December.

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been implemented at each premises, and all the poultry on each premises will be humanely culled.

A third case has also been identified near Beverley in East Riding of Yorkshire.

APHA is reminding bird keepers to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent more outbreaks. Details on the current disease control zones and biosecurity guidance can be found on the APHA website.