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Owl survives 60mph smash
Bird found unhurt after being hit by car

A great horned owl has had an amazing escape after being hit by a car travelling at 60mph on a US motorway. Driver of the 4WD Sonji Coney Williams said she saw the bird as she drove south on the Florida Turnpike, but was unable to stop in time.

"I was driving about 60mph, he never moved, and so, I said 'oh, my God, I hit a bird', and I felt so bad but it was very dark and we didn't pull over," she said.

Assuming the bird had been killed Ms Williams was shocked to find the owl the following day  - alive - behind the radiator grill.

"There was a family that pulled in front of my parking space and flagged me down and said, 'Don't move, don't move, you have something in the grill of your truck…It's an owl."

Florida Fish and Wildlife freed the owl,
which incredibly suffered no injuries and has now become something of an internet sensation.

Click here to watch the video of the owl's rescue.

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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.