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Golden eagle numbers soar in south Scotland
Since the project started, the number of golden eagles in the south of Scotland has quadrupled.

Conservationists release eight chicks, increasing population to record high.

The number of golden eagles in the south of Scotland now stands at around 46, the highest number recorded in the region for three centuries. The increase follows a translocation of eight golden eagle chicks over the summer.

The chicks had been carefully collected under licence from NatureScot before being released at a secret location by the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. During the process, their health and wellbeing was monitored by experts from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

When the project first began translating golden eagles in 2018, the local population stood at just three pairs.

The latest eight chicks have been named by school children, individuals and organisations. The names given them include Paradise (chosen by children at the Kilchattan Primary School) and Haworth (named in memory of raptor expert Paul Haworth, one of the project’s founders).

The project has also shared the news that two birds transported in previous years, Edward and Iona, have paired near Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway. The town will be hosting the third Moffat Golden Eagle Festival between 22-24 September.

Showcasing the project’s work, the festival will include a keynote talk by TV presenter and conservationist Iolo Williams.

Cat Barlow, project manager for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project, said: “This is an incredible year for the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. We are thrilled to bring eight more chicks to the region - the greatest number we have transported in any one summer so far, bringing the population of golden eagles in the area to an all-new record high.

“And we’re incredibly excited to see some of the first birds that we translocated in the area now nesting together. This is a significant new step in our work to ensure the south of Scotland golden eagle population is self-sustaining and continues to thrive in southern skies for many generations to come.”

Mr Williams added: “It is absolutely fantastic to hear that the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has once again successfully transported so many golden eagles to the area, and incredibly exciting that Iona, who I was given the honour of naming back in 2021, has settled with Edward near Moffat.

“The work of this outstanding project is playing a vital role in boosting the small golden eagle population in the south of the country.”

 

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.