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'Pope's Crocodile' to return to Cuba
Image - AFP
Goodwill gesture ahead of Papal visit

An endangered miniature Cuban Crocodile (crocodylus rhombifer) smuggled out of Cuba, seized during a Customs inspection by Italian officials and dubbed 'The Pope's Crocodile' after being taken to a papal audience by officials from the Giardino Zoologico di Roma (Rome Zoo) is being returned to Cuba as a goodwill gesture ahead of a visit to the island by Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope is said to have touched the reptile personally during a general audience in January.

Senior papal advisor Archbishop Giovanni Becciu, who previously served as the Vatican's diplomatic representative to Cuba, was present at a spectacular send-off ceremony for the crocodile which was also attended by children waving Italian, Cuban and Vatican flags. His Excellency the Archbishop (pictured) wished the crocodile a pleasant journey and declared himself sure that "the people of such a magical and enchanted island will give as warm a welcome to the crocodile as they will to the Pope".

The reptile was then placed in a wooden box for travelling which was in turn loaded into a black limousine, a method of transport in stark contrast to its manner of entry to the country during which it was hidden in a sock in the suitcase of an Italian tourist. It will ultimately be released back into the wild after a time at Havana Zoo. 

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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.