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Seal surge prompts RSPCA to launch urgent appeal
A grey seal during her release soon after she was admitted to RSPCA's East Winch Wildlife Centre.
Extreme weather sees record number of seals admitted to charity's wildlife centres

A surge in sick and needy seal admissions to the RSPCA’s wildlife centres has prompted the charity to launch a crisis appeal for donations.

The RSPCA says that a record 350 seals were admitted to RSPCA centres in 2017, up almost 100 from the previous year. As such, the charity has seen its costs soar, with the monthly fish bill alone topping £14,000.

Currently, there are some 150 seals under the RSPCA’s care. Experts at the charity believe the surge is due to a ‘perfect storm’ of extreme weather coming at the height of the grey seal breeding season.

RSPCA head of wildlife Adam Grogan said: “We have never cared for so many seals at this time of the year before.  As storm after storm hit our coastline earlier this winter, more and more seals have been admitted to our wildlife centres in Somerset, Cheshire, Norfolk and East Sussex.

“It couldn’t have happened at a worse time for them - during the pupping season - which means most of these poor seals would have still been dependent on their mother. The seals eat enormous amounts of fish - mostly mackerel - and this represents a huge part of the wildlife centres’ budgets."

To cope with the increase in seal admissions, extra staff and volunteers have been taken on to provide 24-hour care, tube-feeding and medical treatment. The RSPCA said that it takes on average at least three months to rehabilitate a seal back to the wild, so the ongoing costs are significant.

“If it wasn’t for us, these seal pups might have starved to death. But we really need the public’s help because without their donations we simply couldn’t do what we do,” said Adam. “This winter hasn’t been too kind to these seals so far, but hopefully the public’s generosity will bring them a little bit of sunshine.”

For more information about the campaign and to make a donation, visit www.rspca.org.uk 

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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...
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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.