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Professionals invited to parrot nutrition symposium
The speakers will present different aspects of parrots' and indoor birds' health and welfare concerning nutrition and feeding behaviour.
Keynote talks will be delivered by Chester Zoo's Lauren Samnet and Mark Vercoe.

Avian veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are being invited to attend a symposium about parrots and their nutrition, health and management when kept in captivity.

Hosted by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), the event promises a series of talks on different aspects of parrots' nutrition, feeding, health and welfare, and an opportunity for group discussions. 

It follows the success of the PFMA's Rabbit Symposium in 2018, which brought together more than 60 pet food manufacturers, retailers, welfare organisations, vets and academics to discuss the latest science on rabbit welfare topics.

Similarly the parrot event will include a lineup of renowned avian experts including Alan Jones MRCVS, Tariq About-Zahr (DipECZM(Avian) MRCVS and Vicki Baldrey MRCVS. 

The speakers will present different aspects of parrots' and indoor birds' health and welfare concerning nutrition and feeding behaviour. Keynote talks will be delivered by Lauren Samet (Animal Nutritionist) and Mark Vercoe (Deputy Curator of Birds) from Chester Zoo. 

Sarah Hormozi, head of science & education at PFMA said: “We are hoping to make it a worthwhile event, where parrot experts, welfare groups and parrot food industry can share their knowledge and experience. Through discussions, we will come up with collective decisions and steps forward to improve the health and welfare of parrots that are kept in captivity, especially from a diet and nutrition perspective.”

The symposium takes place at Chester Zoo on 21 September, 9.30 am to 3 pm, with registration including the symposium attendance, refreshments, lunch and admission to Chester Zoo. 

For more information and the full programme details, visit pfma.org.uk

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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.