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Magnetic map guides young salmon to feeding grounds
Juvenile Chinook salmon were studied by researchers in America, to see if their migratory senses reacted to changes in magnetic field.
Juvenile Chinook salmon were studied by researchers in America, to see if their migratory senses reacted to changes in magnetic field.

Study says magnetic fields may explain other migratory species

Young salmon inherit a "magnetic map" to lead them thousands of kilometres to marine feeding grounds, an American study has found.

Lead author Dr Nathan Putman, from Oregon State University , said: "The challenge is explaining how juvenile animals with no prior migratory experience are able to locate specific oceanic feeding habitats that are hundreds or thousands of kilometres from their natal sites."

The study suggests a combination of magnetic intensity and inclination angle was used by juvenile salmon to find their way to food.

Scientists experimented with changing the magnetic fields around the fish and seeing how they reacted.

Dr Putman said their study of Chinook salmon was comparable with similar findings in sea turtles, and implied that "magnetic maps" are "widespread and likely to explain the extraordinary navigational abilities evident in many long-distance underwater migrants."

The study was published in full in the journal Current Biology.

Image by Zureks.

 

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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.