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Charity competition to name dolphin calf
Image: dolphin
Muddy and her new calf

Born Free welcomes a new arrival for its adopted dolphin, ‘Muddy’

'Muddy’ lives in the Moray Firth, off the north coast of Scotland, which is home to 500 bottlenose dolphins protected by the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU).

Supported by Born Free, the CRRU researches and monitors whales and dolphins in the region, and provides veterinary treatment.

Muddy’s new calf, which is still too young to be identified as male or female, was first spotted in May and is thought to have been born in October 2016. This is Muddy’s seventh calf.

Dr Kevin Robinson, CRRU lead researcher, said: “We estimate Muddy gave birth last October, because when we saw her last in September 2016 she only had her older calf, ‘Hiccup’, with her. The new calf is known officially as CRRU ID#643, but we’re sure Born Free supporters can come up with something far better!”

Born Free has launched a competition to find a name for Muddy’s new calf. The competition is open exclusively to all Muddy adopters.

Image (C) Born Free Foundation

 

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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.