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RSPCA Primate Podcast
As the Government launches a new set of guidelines for people who keep primates, this month’s RSPCA wildlife podcast focuses on what that code means - and why it wants a ban on primates as pets.

RSPCA wildlife scientist Dr. Ros Clubb contributed to Defra’s new primate code and explains its purpose in the monthly feature. “Primates are intelligent, socially complex wild animals that can suffer greatly in captivity, but they currently have very little protection under UK law. It’s estimated there are around 5,000 kept privately in the UK, and whilst our calls for a ban have not yet been answered, this new code, if passed, is a step in the right direction.”

In December last year, Ros attended 10 Downing Street with the organisation Wild Futures to hand over a petition signed by more than 31,000 people calling for a ban on trade in pet primates and supported by over 360 eminent primatologists, conservationists and primate rescue organisations who are calling for a ban on the keeping of primate as pets.

Every month, scientists from the RSPCA’s wildlife department keep website visitors up to date with wild animal welfare issues. This month listeners will also get to hear about how the Society is helping animals in Haiti after the devastating earthquake, and the story of an owl spotted over five years after its rehabilitation and release from one of our wildlife centres.  

You can listen to the podcast by clicking here.

For more information on Defra’s code, please click here.

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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.