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SPANA launches emergency response to Morocco earthquake
They will be safeguarding working horses and mules that are playing a vital part in rescue efforts.
The charity will support working equids affected by the disaster.

The Society of the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has launched their emergency response to support working animals affected by the earthquake in Morocco.

The group are acting in response to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the Al Haouz province in Morocco on 8 September 2023.

The British Red Cross estimates that the earthquake, which struck just after 11pm local time, has caused the deaths of more than 2,800 people and affected 300,000 more. It resulted in buildings collapsing, with some villages being completely destroyed.

SPANA, a charity which supports working animals, have begun their rescue efforts, where they are assessing the needs of the working animals that the communities are dependent on.

Three local groups, including chief executive Linda Edwards and director of global animal welfare Dr Linda Evans, will be working directly in Morocco to support the animals that are affected by the disaster.

Their teams are rescuing injured and abandoned working animals, providing food, water and emergency veterinary care to affected animals.

They will also be safeguarding the working horses and mules that will be playing a vital part in rescue efforts, providing supplies to communities in isolated areas.

SPANA’s rescue efforts include a long-term response plan to continue providing support to the communities affected.

Morocco was one of the first countries that SPANA worked in, following their foundation in 1923.

Linda Edwards said: “All of us at SPANA are deeply saddened about the terrible disaster in Morocco, our sympathies and thoughts are with all affected. Working alongside the humanitarian effort, coordinating with the authorities and partners, SPANA’s teams are working tirelessly to ensure that lifesaving help is available to working animals.  

“The relief effort will also see the dependency on working animals, as the invisible heroes delivering life-saving aid to communities who have been cut off, with roads destroyed or blocked with debris. Working donkeys and mules will be their rescue partner, and SPANA will be there to safeguard their welfare, they too need to recover from the trauma of this horrific disaster.”

Donations can be made to the charity at their website.

Image © SPANA

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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...
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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.