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Killer whale contained ‘highest level of PCBs’ ever recorded
There is growing concern that the effects being seen in this small group of whales could become apparent in more marine mammal species. (stock photo)
Small pod in west Scotland facing extinction, scientists warn 

Scientists say a killer whale found dead on the Isle of Tiree in Scotland had one of the highest levels of PCB pollution ever recorded, a finding that bodes ill for the rest of her pod.

High levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollution are linked to poor health, infertility, impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to cancer. Once they get into marine environments, they accumulate through food webs and are difficult, if not impossible, to remove.

Well-known killer whale ‘Lulu’ was found dead in January 2016 after becoming entangled in creel rope, but subsequent investigations by the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, which is managed by SRUC, shed new light on her case.

Analysis of the whale’s blubber revealed PCB concentrations 100 times higher than the accepted PCB toxicity threshold for marine mammals. Lulu was estimated to be around 20 years old, but analysis of her ovaries suggests she never reproduced, despite being much older than the average age of maturity in killer whales.

Veterinary pathologist Dr Andrew Brownlow said Lulu’s apparent infertility is an “ominous finding” and raises concerns about the rest of her pod. The small group of eight whales is usually seen off the west coast of Scotland. In the 23 years it has been monitored, not a single calf has been recorded.

“With no new animals being born, it is now looking increasingly likely that this small group will eventually go extinct,” Dr Brownlow said. “One of the factors in this groups’ apparent failure to reproduce could be their high burden of organic pollutants.”

Scientists are calling for a far more proactive approach to assessing and decontaminating PCB-contaminated sites, to stop these pollutants getting into the marine environment. Without this, there is growing concern that the effects being seen in this small group of whales could become apparent in more of our iconic marine mammal 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...
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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.