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Snow leopard cubs born at Highland Wildlife Park
The cubs have started to explore life outside the cubbing box.

RZSS Highland Wildlife Park has welcomed the arrival of a litter of snow leopard cubs. The cubs were born to mum Animesh and dad Chan seven weeks ago and have started to explore life outside the cubbing box.

Keepers are delighted with the arrival, though say the coming weeks are critical for the cubs’ survival. Una Richardson, the park’s head of carnivores, said: “We are thrilled, though we remain cautious as this is still a very delicate stage in their development. Animesh has had three cubs and they will be health checked by our keepers and vets around three weeks from now.”

“Snow leopards are relatively solitary animals, so dad Chan is living separately from Animesh and the cubs, who will remain with their mum until they are around two years old.” 

Image (C) RZSS Highland Wildlife Park.

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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.