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Guinea pig portrait causes a squeal
Three Unknown Elizabethan Children, Unkown Anglo-Netherlandish artist, c.1580 privately owned

Earliest known painting of species revealed for the first time

A painting has been unveiled in London's National Portrait Gallery, of what is believed to be the earliest portrait of a guinea pig.

The painting depicts three Elizabethan children, two boys aged five and six, with a girl aged seven who is cradling a beige, brown and white guinea pig.
 
The portrait was revealed during the making of the exhibition "Elizabeth I and her people", which is supported by the Weiss Gallery and due to open on October 10, 2013.

Guinea pigs were introduced from South America by Spanish traders and are said to have been popular pets during Queen Elizabeth I's time.

Due to the expensive and fashionable dress of the children in the portrait, it is suspected that they belonged to a wealthy family of nobility or gentry. Portraits of children became popular among the sixteenth century across Europe, as they allowed families to document lineage and fertility.

In the portrait, the youngest boy also clutches a small bird, which is thought to be a finch.

Guinea pigs are not the only animal to feature in the exhibition, as horses, stags and dogs also make appearances, as well as more exotic animals displayed on the subject's jewellery, purses and crests.
 
The exhibition will be open until the new year. Click here for more information.

Image courtesey of the National Portrait Gallery

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.