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Hen harrier numbers fall by quarter in Northern Ireland
The number of pairs in Northern Ireland has dropped from 46 to 34.
Working group established to consider conservation measures.

The number of hen harriers in Northern Ireland has fallen by a quarter in recent years, despite an overall increase in the UK.

The 2023 UK Hen Harrier Survey revealed that the population of the bird of prey has declined by more than 26 per cent in Northern Ireland since 2016, with the number of pairs dropping from 46 to 34.

In contrast, the population increased by 20 per cent across the UK as a whole during the same period.

In response to the decline in Northern Ireland, a working group has been formed to consider measures which could be introduced to help the species, which is listed as one of principle importance for the purpose of biodiversity conservation.

There are currently two Special Protection Areas in Northern Ireland which are designed to protect the hen harrier during its breeding season. The survey revealed that the number of pairs within these areas remained relatively stable, despite the fall in numbers elsewhere.

The survey was organised by the RSPB at national level and locally by the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG). It was part-funded by Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

DAERA minister Andrew Muir said: “My thanks go to all the voluntary fieldworkers and staff from NIRSG, RSPB, NIEA and other organisations, who took part in the survey so that we had excellent coverage of the hen harrier breeding range in Northern Ireland.”

A similar decline has been recorded in the Republic of Ireland, with the number of hen harriers in the country dropping by one third between 2015 and 2022. Conservation groups have highlighted loss of habitat as a significant reason for falling populations.

Minister Muir added: “Action needs to be taken to stop the decline of this iconic bird, but it can only be achieved through working in partnership with landowners, farmers, non-governmental organisations and all other stakeholders, to restore and enhance breeding habitats and appropriately manage activities which have the potential to cause disturbance and displacement.”

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.