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Escaped penguin prompts search
Aquarium escape baffles observers

Officials from the Tokyo Sea Life Park are urgently searching for a one-year-old Humbolt penguin that escaped from its harbour-front enclosure. Attempts to recapture it have thus far failed despite considerable effort due to the speed with which the penguin can swim, which has been described as 'tremendous'. It was last spotted swimming in the mouth of the Kyu-Edo River which runs into Tokyo Bay and from there to the Pacific Ocean.

Precisely how the penguin escaped from the enclosure is as yet undetermined. An official of the Park speculated that the bird could have scaled a wall, although they also admitted that "We first noticed the penguin might have fled when the director of a neighbouring zoo e-mailed us Sunday with a photo."

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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.