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Birdworld keepers prepare for a day in the life of a parrot
parrot
Keepers will be spending the day in the Parrots in Flight aviary.
Keepers will get into character tomorrow, spending their day in the parrot aviary

Keepers at Birdworld in Surrey are preparing to step into the life of their resident parrots tomorrow, getting into character by abandoning their uniforms and donning parrots' plumage colours. 
 
Keepers Suzy Smithson and Lenka Panackova will be attempting to spend the day, from 9am until 6pm, in the Parrots in Flight aviary, interacting with the birds, and chatting to the public.
 
They will not be given anything to eat or drink all day, except for what the parrots would receive, and they will have no bathroom breaks.
 
Accustomed to seeing keepers in Birdworlds’ dark green uniform, these brightly coloured strangers will no doubt cause excitement among the birds. 
 
Suzy said: “The true challenge for us will be coping with the inquisitive birds…we will be inspected, pecked, hopped on and have our laces attacked throughout the day.”
 
The event aims to raise money and awareness of threatened species in the wild. Sponsorship will go towards the rescue of penguins in the wild, the reintroduction of the great bustard to Britain and local charities such as butterfly conservation and habitat protection.
 
To support Suzy and Lenka in this challenge, either by attending or by making a donation, or for more information about the event click here.
 

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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.