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Badgers likely not to blame for lamb deaths
Fox DNA was found on all lamb carcasses where predation was confirmed.
Investigation reveals findings after Scottish farmers had raised badger attack concerns.

An investigation launched following concerns in the Scottish farming sector about suspected badger attacks on lambs has found that foxes were most likely responsible.

The study, carried out by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA), in collaboration with NatureScot, Scottish Land and Estates, and the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS), performed post-mortems on 29 lamb carcasses from participating farms.

The results confirmed predation in 48 per cent of cases. Thirty-one per cent had been scavenged after death. It was unclear whether or not predation had taken place in the remaining 21 per cent of cases.

DNA evidence from the 29 carcasses and 10 additional dead or injured lambs swabbed by farmers revealed that fox DNA was present on 87 per cent of samples, including all of the lambs where there was evidence of predation.

In contrast, badger DNA was only found on two lambs, neither of which was available for post-mortem.

The findings are in contrast to concerns that have been raised in recent years about badgers predating on lambs. In a 2020 survey by the NFUS, 20 per cent of respondents reported experiencing badger attacks on livestock.

Sheila George, wildlife biologist at SASA, said: “Livestock predation can be particularly distressing for farmers but identifying the predator from field signs can be challenging. Combining post-mortem and DNA evidence, we found that puncture wounds around the head, neck and throat, and associated bleeding, were a good indicator that fox predation had occurred.

“Despite the abundance of badgers on the study farms, we did not find DNA evidence that they killed lambs or regularly scavenged carcasses.”

Donald Fraser, NatureScot’s head of wildlife management, added: “These findings begin to fill an important gap in our knowledge on lamb predation on Scottish farms and demonstrate the value of high-quality science and evidence in improving our understanding of interactions between wildlife and livestock.”

The full report can be read on the NatureScot website.

Image © 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.