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Duckling boost for rare goldeneye duck
"These specialist ducks have been declining locally in recent years, so this is a real boost to the population" – Simon Ritchie, NatureScot.

More than 25 ducklings have fledged at nature reserve.

This year has seen a bumper breeding season for the rare goldeneye duck, after more than 25 ducklings fledged at the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve in the Cairngorms National Park.

There are around just 200 breeding pairs of goldeneyes in the UK. The protected speices is resident in the Scottish Highlands and a winter visitor elsewhere in the British Isles.

In 2020, just one brood and four duckings was recorded at the Dinnet reserve. Since then, new rules have been introduced to reduce disturbance to the birds during breeding season from visits to the site.

This year’s successful breeding season is a sign that the recent conservation measures are having a positive impact.

Simon Ritchie, NatureScot’s reserve manager at the Muir of Dinnet, said: “We are elated to have so many young fledge. These specialist ducks have been declining locally in recent years, so this is a real boost to the population.

“One of the main factors in recent breeding failings has been disturbance by people going out on the water in canoes, kayaks, inflatables and paddle-boards. Because of this, we worked closely with stakeholders, including recreational users, ornithologists, the Cairngorms National Park, and Dinnet and Kinord Estate to put in place access guidance on Loch Kinord to reduce impacts in the crucial summer months.

“This has had a massively positive impact on our breeding birds, especially our goldeneye population, and we would like to thank everyone for following the access guidance. Together, we are helping conserve an iconic Scottish rarity from local extinction.”

Murray Ferguson, director of planning and place at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, added: “We are delighted to see that goldeneye on the loch are now breeding more successfully and that that the measures to manage disturbance from recreation are working well.

“Many thanks to everyone for following the guidelines. We are sure there are lessons to be learned here that can be applied to other parts of the National Park in due course.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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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.