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Stag caught using antlers to steal food
red deer
Biologist Dr Jochen Langbein has been researching and filming red deer in the area for two years. (stock photo)
Biologist captures clever stag nabbing bird nuts from garden

A stag has been filmed using its antlers to steal bird food from a suburban garden in Exmoor, Somerset.

Biologist Dr Jochen Langbein has been researching and filming red deer in the area for two years. Video footage captured at the edge of Exmoor National Park shows a mature red deer stag knocking bird feeders out of trees.

“It’s learned to very deliberately use the tip of his antlers to dislodge bird feeders in order to get at the contents,” Dr Langbein told BBC News. “At the moment it’s only him, the others haven’t caught on yet.”

Dr Langbein said he saw the “particularly wily old stag” raiding another feeder two years ago, but he was “not quite as adept then”.

With poaching on the rise on Exmoor, Dr Langbein explained that stags repeatedly return to their favourite “garden haunts” where they feel safe.

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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.