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: 28th February 2024
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

Turtle rescued in Cumbria months after being rescued in France
Loggerhead turtles have become more common in UK waters in recent years.
Rescuer describes animal as “very lucky”.

A loggerhead turtle has been rescued from a Cumbrian beach less than a year after being rescued off the coast of France.

The turtle, named Nazaré after a Portuguese town famous for its waves, was discovered by members of the public on Friday, 2 February stranded on the shore of Walney Island, Cumbria.

A call was made to British Marine Life Divers Rescue who found the turtle covered in algae and cuts. According to the Marine Conservation Society, the algae on her body may have been caused by the turtle becoming comatose in the cold water.

Nazaré had a satellite tag attached to her, which was traced to an aquarium in France. It was discovered that she had been rescued off the coast of France in April 2023 with wounds to her limbs and neck.

After two months of rehabilitation at the French aquarium, she had been released with the satellite tag on. However, the tag had stopped transmitting in about December.

Since being found in Cumbria, Nazaré has received care at Sea Life Blackpool, and has recently been moved to Sea Life Scarborough to continue her recovery.

Sarah Neill, area coordinator for Cumbria at British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said: “This turtle was very lucky to have been found and rescued when she was as the majority who are washed up in these circumstances sadly would not live.

“If they become ill, injured or weak, they can easily get swept up into the north Atlantic currents which will lead them into cold waters and anything colder than 15°C results in them being unable to feed.”

Todd German, curator at Sea Life Scarborough, added: “We are delighted to support our colleagues at Sea Life Blackpool with the next stage of Nazaré's journey to recovery.

“The care which Sea Life Blackpool has given Nazaré has been phenomenal, and
we are delighted she has made such incredible improvements. She still has a
significant way to go before we will hopefully be able to release her back to her natural habitat.”

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.