Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd June 2010
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Defence Chiefs Could Learn From Darwin
The dynamic nature of modern security threat such as global terrorism requires a flexible response - and nations should mimic the way biological organisms evolve in response to their changing environment, researchers from the University of Edinburgh say.

The experts say that by adopting Darwinian principles of adapting to best suit an environment, nations could capitalise on their opponents’ mistakes and win conflict with flexibility instead of power.

A major conference held in Edinburgh earlier this week heard how the principle of competition and survival in nature could help nations develop flexible and speedy defence systems for conflicts in the 21st century.

Researchers say the process of adaptation, which explains how biological organisms reproduce and change over many generations, could inform defence strategy because it offers ideas for building organisations and strategies that track competitors shifting tactics and capitalise on opponents weaknesses.

Experts say that the primary security threats today do not follow systematic or predictable patterns so without a flexible and effective response battles and wars may be lost because we will be 'out adapted' by our enemies. The question is how to adapt faster than competitors.

Dr Dominic Johnson, from the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh, said: "The history of life on earth has tried and tested far more adaptive strategies than militaries could ever hope to. They are all around us to see and their secrets have been extensively studied. We would be wise to identify the most successful strategies and apply them to the fight against insurgency and terrorism."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.