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Study explores health outcomes in wildlife reintroduction projects
The paper discusses the full range of health conditions with potential associations to conservation translocation.
Research reviews previous projects to inform future initiatives.

A study on the health outcomes in wildlife reintroduction projects has been published, exploring the full range of health conditions potentially associated with conservations translocations.

Conservation translocations, the reinforcement, reintroduction or ecological replacement of wildlife, have become common in wildlife and conservation projects. These have been very important in helping endangered animals and plants to recover. 

As the researchers note, however, with no guaranteed positive outcomes, these translocations are costly, challenging and take a long time to complete. The study, which reviews reports of previous projects, has created an evidence base to inform future reintroduction projects.

Katie Beckmann, PhD student at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and corresponding author on the study, explained: “Health has been somewhat overlooked in the field of reintroduction science. 

“In this study, we explore health outcomes in reintroduced animals and plants, and other populations linked to reintroduction. 

“We show why health is important to foster and consider how it ‘fits in’ in relation to all the ecological, environmental and human-related threats that need to be considered, and overcome, in order for reintroduction projects to be successful.”

Published in Ecological Solutions and Evidence, the study summarised information about disease and other biological problems reported in case studies of conservation translocations.

In the case studies 'disease' problems were described as a 'major difficulty', 'major lesson learned' or 'reason for...failure' in 30 per cent of the studies. These problems included infection, stress and husbandry-related disorders.

These disease problems were far more likely to be mentioned in projects with poorer success ratings, suggesting the importance of disease as an inhibitor to success in reintroduction projects.

Another type of biological problem was reported in 66 per cent of the case studies under the same subheadings, including post-release predation, adverse climate/weather and anthropogenic trauma. Even when cases were considered highly successful, these issues were still commonly reported. 

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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.