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BSAVA Congress News Archive
Scheme to protect wildlife and reduce flooding
25th September 2017
Natural England has announced a new scheme to improve flood protection, boost wildlife and create 160 hectares of new saltmarsh. The 6 million scheme in Lancashire will effectively unite the RSPB's Hesketh Out Marsh Reserve and Natural England's Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve. The completed reserve will be the largest site of its kind in the north of England.
Battersea reports soaring numbers of French bulldogs
19th September 2017
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has reported a stark rise in the number of French bulldogs being taken in to its care.

So far this year, the charity has already taken in 29 French Bulldogs. In 2014, it took in just eight across the whole of the year.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home says that most of these dogs have required intense veterinary treatment, with many needing specialist surgery to open their airways and shorten their soft palate.
Rare gentoo penguin chicks prepare for swimming lessons
14th September 2017
Two rare gentoo penguin chicks that hatched at the National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, are preparing for their first swimming lessons.

With the aid of a special pool away from the exhibit, parents and penguin specialists at the aquarium are easing the chicks towards taking the plunge.

"This is a really important moment for them and we're really encouraged by their progress," commented penguin specialist Hayley Roberts. "It won't be long until they're whizzing through the water at full pelt."
New TV show on the hunt for problem pets
25th August 2017
A new prime time BBC show is set to explore pets with behavioural issues across Britain.

Produced by the team behind Gogglebox and E4's Tattoo Fixers, 'Pet Correctors' aims to help pet owners who are at the end of their tether with their problematic pets.

With a vet and three expert behaviourists to give advice and guidance, the team are looking for pet owners who are in desperate need of help. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/problempets

Blue Dog Programme wins WSAVA One Health award
18th August 2017
An educational initiative to help children interact safely with dogs has been awarded the WSAVA's 2017 Global One Health Award.

The Blue Dog Programme offers an array of educational resources for children, parents and school teachers, including an engaging website, fact sheets, DVD and an accompany book for parents.

The award will be accepted by Professor Tiny de Keuster, a European veterinary specialist in behavioural medicine and founder of the programme, during WSAVA World Congress 2017.
New FECAVA membership card honours Saki Paatsama
16th August 2017
The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) has paid tribute to Finnish vet Saki Paatsama (1918-1998) on its new membership card.

Considered a true visionary and one of the fathers of veterinary surgery and orthopaedics, Dr Paatsama taught all aspects of surgery at the Helsinki Veterinary School for many years.

He was also actively involved in numerous organisations including the WSAVA, FECAVA, ESVS, ESVOT and the International kennel club (FCI).
'Sacred' monkey born at London Zoo
4th August 2017
Keepers at London Zoo are celebrating the arrival of the first Hanuman langur to be born at its Land of the Lions exhibit. The monkey is named after the Hindu god of healing and worship, and is considered sacred by Indian holy men. The youngster was born to first-time parents Saffron and Rex after a 200-day gestation.

Hanuman langurs have large ears for picking up subtle noises over long distances. They can act as an early warning system for other wildlife as they make loud 'barks' from high in the treetops when lions approach. Image ZSL
Scottish government announces plan to save Britain's pollinators
28th July 2017
A ten-year plan to halt the decline of bee and butterfly populations has been announced by the Scottish government.

The Pollinator Strategy calls for: the restoration and creation of flower rich habitats; greater use of green urban infrastructures, such as rooftop gardens; the development and use of pollinator-friendly pest control, and new research into the impact of climate change on bee and butterfly numbers.

The development has been led by Scottish Natural Heritage together with a range of environmental and land management organisations.
RCVS extends and expands Ethics Review Panel trial
27th July 2017
The RCVS Ethics Review Panel has been extended a further year with an expanded remit to cover a wider range of applications.

The panel was established last year on a trial basis as a way to offer an ethical review process for practice-based research projects.

Due to popular demand, the panel will shortly be considering applications for equine and farm-based research and will be recruiting new panel members to cover these areas.
Equine Infectious Anaemia confirmed in Spain and Macedonia
24th July 2017
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed Equine Infectious Anaemia in Spain and Macedonia.

The disease has been confirmed in two animals in Spain. In Macedonia, there have been three clinical cases, with one dying and five others destroyed among a total of 10.

According to the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), there are no details confirming the breed/type/use of animals and whether there are clear links to other recent cases in other European countries.

BEVA will update its members when further information becomes available.
Classroom pets on the decline
12th July 2017
New research has found there are fewer pets in UK classrooms than in previous generations - despite 88 per cent of parents believing it significantly helps a child's social skills and development.

More than half of the parents surveyed by Pets at Home (51 per cent) had a class pet as a child, compared to 46 per cent of children today.

The survey also found that non-traditional animals such as chickens, tadpoles, caterpillars and stick insects are becoming increasingly popular alternatives as classroom pets.
AWF seeks trustees to join its board
10th July 2017
The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) are seeking trustees to help drive the charity's mission to improve the welfare of animals through veterinary science, education and debate.

AWF trustees are responsible for facilitating the achievement of the charity's mission, providing strategic direction and safeguarding AWF's brand and reputation.

Trustees are expected to attend at least two meetings a year, during their three-year term, as well as the AWF's annual discussion forum in Westminster. Visit www.bva-awf.org.uk/trustee-vacancy for more information and how to apply.