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Pigs running wild in Hong Kong
Wild boar
Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong.

Driven to the city by development and construction
 
Police in China spent over three hours last week attempting to catch a wild boar which found itself lost in the financial district of Hong Kong.

Footage of the chase was captured on film by Periscope user @Penguinsix, who added to the suspense by humming the Mission Impossible theme tune.

It is the second time that a wild boar has been spotted in the city in two weeks, with the first sighted outside a luxury hotel.

Wildlife experts are blaming the recent incidents on development projects and construction around country parks.

Dr Gary Ades, head of fauna conservation at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, told the South China Morning Post that "boars hate change and often panic when their environment changes."

Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong, with adults measuring up to two meters long and weighing up to 200kg .

Over the last few years, the animals have been spotted throughout the city in theme parks, shopping malls and private housing estates.

"They're very funny animals," said Gary. "Whenever there is change [in their environment] they just don't want to be there.

"They create these beautiful animal highways in the dirt, which they use to get around, but a moment a new tree is planted there is confusion."

Wildlife experts say that regular feeding by humans (which is illegal), predation by feral dogs, and even the weather may also be driving the pigs into the city.

Drier winters make it difficult for pigs to get to the worms they usually feed on from the ground. 

Image (C) PJeganathan/Wikimedia

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
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WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.