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Wildlife charities bust hedgehog myths
HEDGEHOG EATING
Hedgehog numbers continue to decline in both rural and urban areas.
Myths include the belief that hedgehogs transmit fleas to pets

Wildlife charities People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) have shared the top five myths surrounding hedgehogs in a bid to save the declining species.

Over the years, numerous myths have developed about hedgehogs that could be hampering conservation efforts. The organisations say that busting these myths will ensure that everyone involved in trying to conserve the species has the correct information to hand.

The first myth busts the prickly craze of pet hedgehogs. Britain’s native hedgehog is often mistaken for the African pygmy hedgehog, made popular by social media and YouTube. African pygmy hedgehogs have pale facial hair, lighter spines and pointier features. Native hedgehogs, however, have darker, more rounded features.

The second myth busts the idea that there were three million hedgehogs in Britain in the 1950s. The theory was suggested by naturalist Maurice Burton during a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. “In truth, we have no idea how many hedgehogs there were in the 1950s, though we do know they were more abundant,” the charities say.
 
Other myths busted by the organisations include the idea that British hedgehogs are threatened with extinction and the belief that hedgehogs transmit fleas to pets. They also raise the issue of hedgehog diet and advise people against feeding hedgehogs bread and milk.

In 2015, a report published by the BHPS and the PTES revealed the state of Britain’s hedgehogs. It showed a continuing decline in hedgehog numbers, in both rural and urban areas.

The loss of hedgerows and intensive farming in rural landscapes, together with tidy, fenced-in gardens in urban locations, are just some of the threats contributing to the demise of this iconic British species.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.