Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Swaziland proposes to sell rhino horn
Rhino
The money raised would be used to protect the country’s remaining white rhinos from poaching.


Ivory would be sold to traditional medicine markets in Asia


The developing country of Swaziland in Africa plans to legalise trade in rhino horn in order to pay for anti-poaching measures.

According to The Guardian, Swaziland’s anti-poaching body wants to sell the country’s stockpile of horn collected from naturally deceased animals and confiscated from poachers.

Leaked documents show that the Cites Management Authority of Swaziland plans to sell the horn to traditional medicine markets in Asia.

The money raised - an expected $9.9m - would then be used to protect the country’s remaining white rhinos from poaching. The country also plans to sell horn harvested from living rhino, as it grows back after being cut.

Swaziland’s proposal will be formally discussed and voted on at the CITES conference of Parties in Johannesburg in September.

Experts say the bid is likely to fail because most parties feel legalisation would provide a mechanism for laundering illegal horn and undermine law enforcement.

Indeed, just last week the Government of South Africa decided not to proceed with plans to legalise trade in rhino horn over concerns that it would increase demand.  

Illegal poaching is a major issue for Africa. Each year over 30,000 elephants are killed for their ivory, but ongoing debates about whether to legalise the trade split opinion.

On Friday, Kenya set fire to their elephant and rhino ivory stockpile to show the country’s commitment to saving Africa’s elephants. But conservationists argue that destroying too much of a rare commodity could increase its value and encourage more poaching.

Namibia has a very different approach to tackling the poaching problem. As so few tourists visit the country, trophy hunting is one of the main sources of income - so poachers have now effectively become gamekeepers.

Hunters pay tens of thousands to kill buffalo, elephants and rhino in communal conservancies, with the money going towards park rangers and electricity for villagers. Only a certain amount of animals can be shot each year, with the meat going to the local community.  

According to locals, the method works because there is no corruption and, without it, local people would suffer.  

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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...
News Shorts
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.