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A fifth of elephants could be lost to poaching
Extinction fears as illegal killings in Africa are estimated at 22,000

New figures have revealed that if elephant poaching continues at its current pace, Africa could lose a fifth of its elephants in the next ten years.

Poaching data suggests that in 2012 alone, 15,000 elephants were killed illegally across the 27 African countries taking part in a CITES programme called Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE).

Revealing the new figures, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says that according to MIKE analysis, the total number of elephants poached across the country as a whole is estimated at 22,000.

Secretary-general for CITES, John Scanlon, says the situation is "critical", fearing we could soon see local extinctions if poaching continues at the same rate.

He said: "The situation is particularly acute in Central Africa—where the estimated poaching rate is twice the continental average."

The latest figures were revealed as representatives for African elephant range, transit and destination countries gather in Botwana for a summit organised by IUCN and the government of Botswana.

It is hoped strong commitments will be made by delegates to take action to stop the illegal ivory trade, bolstering national laws tackling wildlife crime and improving co-operation between countries.

Dr Holly Dublin, chair of the IUCN/SSC African Elephant Specialist Group, said: "We are very pleased to be able to present updated information to the African Elephant Summit.

"The picture painted by this new information should provide motivation for all delegates at the Summit to come together to agree on much-needed urgent action on behalf of Africa’s elephants."

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.