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Researchers ask public to report dead seals
The research will be the first large-scale study into seal deaths for more than 20 years.

New Defra-funded research will gather data on causes of death. 

Researchers at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) are asking members of the public to report any strandings of dead seals found in England and Wales.

The call comes as the ZSL’s Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme (CSIP), which currently investigates stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, marine turtles and sharks, expands its research to include grey and harbour seals.

Dead seals are often found on the coastlines of England and Wales, but there is currently limited information available about what causes their deaths or precisely how many are dying each year.

The expansion of the CSIP project has been funded by an eight-year grant from Defra. The research will be carried out in collaboration with partner organisations including the Natural History Museum, Marine Environment Monitoring, and the Cornwall Marine Pathology team.

It is more than 20 years since the last large-scale research project into seal deaths in England and Wales, which came as a response to the decline in North Sea seal populations caused by the phocine distemper virus (PDV).

Rob Deaville, CSIP project manager, said: “Monitoring seals populations and mortality is essential to allow us to spot any future outbreaks of PDV or other diseases such as influenza or mouth rot at an early stage. In light of recent positive cases of avian flu found in UK seals, we need to gain a better understanding of this new and emerging issue.

“We also need to learn more about the impacts on these iconic mammals from human activities, such as entanglement in fishing gear or marine plastics, ship-strikes, shooting and climate change. Investigating seal mortality may also help us gain a better understanding of the scale and extent of interactions between grey seals and other marine mammals.”

Sightings of dead seals in England and Wales can be reported to the CSIP by calling 0800 652 0333. Members of the public are advised not to approach or touch dead seals as they may be carrying disease.

 

Image (C) Zoological Society of London

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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.