Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 21st September 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Escaped porcupine evades Suffolk police
Sudbury and Haverhill Police are asking anyone who sees the latest porcupine runaway to contact a local vet or the RSPCA.
The quilled rodent is on the run in Clare, Suffolk.

Suffolk police have launched an appeal on Facebook after they spotted a porcupine on the loose.

The creature was seen by police officers who were driving through the market town of Clare at 1.30am on 20 September.

The officers stopped on the B1063 in attempt to catch the fugitive, however it disappeared into a nearby garden.

Porcupines are more commonly found in America, Africa, Asia and parts of Europe.

The rodents’ Latin name, Erethizon dorsatum, literally means ‘quill pig’, a reference to the 30,000 needle-like quills that grow on their backs, sides and tails.

Though they cannot shoot them at predators, their sharp quills leap to attention as a deterrent and are often found stuck in animals that have had a porcupine encounter.

The escapee may be approximately 25-36 inches in height, and weigh between 12- 35lbs.

This isn’t the first time Suffolk has had a porcupine problem, after a local newspaper reported three of the rodents roving between Bury St Edmunds and Clare in September 2021.

Firefighters in nearby Cambridgeshire have also been surprised to see a porcupine on the loose in the village of Harston after they had answered a call-out in August 2021.

Sudbury and Haverhill Police are asking anyone who sees the latest porcupine runaway to contact a local vet or the RSPCA.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.