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SPANA launches road traffic accidents appeal
“The majority of working animals involved in road traffic accidents do not survive” – Anna Bowker.
Charity highlights plight of working animals on busy roads.

The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) has launched an appeal to help working animals at risk of being involved in road traffic accidents.

In the low-income countries where the charity works, it is common for animals such as donkeys to work on roads alongside cars and trucks. When accidents occur, they are often fatal for the animal involved.

With its appeal, launched on 20 June, SPANA hopes to raise funds to provide reflective collars and harnesses to improve the visibility of working animals and help keep them safer on roads. The charity also needs donations to keep running its mobile clinics and centres which provide emergency care to injured animals.

Last year, SPNA provided veterinary care and support to 336,018 working animals around the world, as well as providing training in animal care to 75,239 owners of working animals.

Anna Bowker, SPANA veterinary advisor. said: “The majority of working animals involved in road traffic accidents do not survive, and those that do are often left facing serious and painful injuries. Yet simple solutions can help prevent road traffic accidents.

“Reflective collars and harnesses are low-cost ways to make working animals visible when walking on, or near, busy roads. Made from locally available materials, these collars can help prevent working animals from being hit by vehicles.
 
“For the unfortunate animals that do become injured in traffic accidents, SPANA’s mobile clinics can provide the lifesaving treatment they need, while surgery or long stays in our centres for ongoing after care may be needed to make a full recovery.”

More details about SPANA’s appeal can be found on the charity’s 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...
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.