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Don’t bring fox cubs into your home, urges SSPCA
“If you see a baby fox that you think needs help, please monitor them from a safe distance before intervening." – Chris Hogsden
The charity appeals to the public not to handle young foxes.
 
The Scottish SPCA has urged members of the public not to handle fox cubs or bring them into their homes this spring, as litters are born and start to emerge from their dens.

Last year, the charity cared for 10 cubs which had been found by people in their gardens and brought into their homes. In many cases, the cubs had been fed milk and human food, which is not a suitable diet and can cause a cub to become bloated.

In one recent case seen by the charity, someone took a cub into their home because they thought it was a kitten.

If a fox has been separated from their family for several days, it can be very difficult to reunite them with their pack. This means that fox cubs taken from the wild often have to remain under the care of the charity for up to five or six months before they can be safely released at a time when they would naturally disperse in the wild.

Although it is necessary for them to undergo rehabilitation so that they can survive on their own, this kind of prolonged period in captivity can be very stressful for a wild animal.

Scottish SPCA centre manager Chris Hogsden said: “We are reminding the public to be wildlife wise around fox cubs as we come in to the busy spring and summer months at our wildlife hospital.

“If you see a baby fox that you think needs help, please monitor them from a safe distance before intervening.

“If a fox does need assistance, please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice.”

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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.