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Surrey vet achieves rowing Guinness World Record
The research team rowed 2,000 miles in just 50 days.
Hannah Davies’ achievement formed part of her research into water pollution.

A veterinary surgeon from the University of Surrey has achieved a Guinness World Record, while simultaneously collecting data on underwater noise pollution.

Hannah Davies, a senior lecturer in veterinary clinical practice, helped record the fastest time for a mixed team to row unsupported around Great Britain.

The team, consisting of Dr Davies, skipper Patrick Deacon, Adam Ravenscroft, Joe Benson, Lia Evans and Daisy Lucker, successfully rowed over 2,000 miles in just 50 days.

They faced challenging rowing conditions throughout, including headwinds for most of the journey.

The team achieved the Guinness World Record as part of a project to record data from Great Britain’s waters. Dr Davies sought to collect data on underwater man-made sound, microplastic pollution, water temperature, salinity and biodiversity.

Sound is important in underwater ecosystems, since it travels much further underwater. Marine species use it to communicate, hunt, find a mate, navigate and avoid predators.

However, the noise caused by human activity, such as from boats and machinery, can disrupt this communication. This can lead to marine animals becoming lost, failing to find mates and becoming vulnerable to predators.

As well as collecting vital data for their investigation, the team has also been raising money to combat water pollution. So far, over £7,000 has been raised for the charity Surfers Against Sewage.

Dr Davies said: “I am extremely proud to have broken the Guinness World Record. As a team, we faced many difficulties on our journey.

“However, there were so many positives. This was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, and I felt so privileged to see a lot of amazing wildlife, including minke whales on the east coast of Scotland and pods of dolphins on the south coast of England and the east coast of Ireland.

“This was not only a truly memorable experience, but we were able to collect vital data that will help support research on the state of our oceans and the conditions of our coastline.”

Donations can still be made to Surfers Against Sewage through the team’s JustGiving page.

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.