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African spotted genet found at depot
spotted genet
Vets identified the exotic animal as a spotted genet, native to Africa.

Exotic pet travelled 120 miles in 18 days

An African spotted genet found curled up in a tyre at a Milton Keynes depot has been reunited with its owner.

Two workers at the city’s Mercedes Benz depot discovered the animal and took it to local vets, fearing it may have hitched a ride on a foreign delivery truck, according to MKCitizen.

Vets identified the animal as a spotted genet, a carnivore that is native to more than 25 African countries. As they were initially unable to locate a microchip, Vets4Pets Milton Keynes posted an appeal for information on their Facebook page.

Staff at the practice were shocked to discover the genet’s owner lived in Brighton, meaning it had travelled around 120 miles in 18 days. It is thought it may have been stolen and later escaped.

According to MKCitizen, vets eventually found a microchip that had migrated near to the genet’s tail, which proved its ownership.

Owner Kyle Watson told BBC News the two-year-old animal - named Kamarla - had been eating “non-stop” since returning home.

Image © Vets4Pets

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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.