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Extensive marine microplastic pollution confirmed
deep sea
One shower can equate to 100,000 plastic microfibres entering the ocean.
Study reveals the ingestion of synthetic particles by deep sea animals

New research into marine pollution shows evidence of the ingestion of microplastic fibres by deep sea animals. Scientists working aboard the Royal Research Ship James Cook, in the mid-Atlantic and south-west Indian Oceans, have discovered microbeads inside hermit crabs, squat lobsters and sea cucumbers.
 
The team used a remotely operated, underwater vehicle to collect deep sea creatures living at depths of 300m and 1800m. The microfibres found inside the animals, included polyester, nylon and acrylic, and are characterised as units under 5mm in length. The plastic fibres strongly resemble ‘marine snow’- the organic material that falls from water close to the surface of the ocean and which deep sea creatures consume.
 
These materials enter our oceans via the washing of synthetic fabrics, showering with cosmetic products that contain microbeads and from fishing line nets.
 
Laura Robinson, Professor of Geochemistry at Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences, said: “This result astonished me and is a real reminder that plastic pollution has truly reached the furthest ends of the Earth.”
 
The research published in the journal, Scientific Reports, comes after the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee reported on the environmental damage caused by microbeads. The committee revealed that one shower can equate to 100,000 plastic microfibres entering the ocean. Following this, the British government announced a ban on the use of plastic microbeads, by the end of 2017.
 
Dr Michelle Taylor, Oxford University’s Department of Zoology, and lead author of the study, said: “The main purpose of this research expedition was to collect microplastics from sediments in the deep ocean – and we found lots of them. Given that animals interact with this sediment, such as living on it or eating it, we decided to look inside them to see if there was any evidence of ingestion. What’s particularly alarming is that these microplastics weren’t found in coastal areas but in the deep ocean, thousands of miles away from land-based sources of pollution.”
 
Associate Professor in Forensic and Crime Science at Staffordshire University, Dr Claire Gwinnett, said: “Existing forensic approaches for the examination of fibres are tried and tested for their robustness and must stand up to the scrutiny of the courts of law. These techniques were employed in this research in order to effectively reduce and monitor contamination and therefore provide confidence in the fact that the microplastics found were ingested, and not from the laboratory or other external contaminant.
 
“Using forensic laboratory techniques, we have identified that microplastics are present in ingested material from deep sea creatures. Forensic science is still a fairly new science, but we are delighted that our work and techniques are starting to inform other sciences and important environmental research such as this.”
 
The collaborative study, sponsored by the European Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council, involved scientists from the University of Oxford, the University of Bristol, Staffordshire University’s Forensic and Crime Science Department and the Natural History Museum.

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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...
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.