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Return to the Wild for European Bison
Europe's largest mammal, the bison, has been reintroduced to the wild after near-extinction.

In 1919, the last of Europe's wild bison was shot by a poacher. Now, almost a century later, the bison bonasus has been taken off the endangered species, after a reintroduction programme has seen the wild bison population of central Europe soar up to 800 from a mere 54.

Towards the end of the 1920s, a bison restitution centre opened in Poland in an attempt to preserve the species, and just four bulls and three cows went on to found the current population.

In 1951, the first bison were reintroduced to the wild at Bialowieza Forest, which lies between Poland and Belarus. Today that population numbers 800 and a small number have been reintroduced to the Czech Republic, two hundred years after they were wiped out of existence in that country.

Eight bison are currently making their home in the Ralsko Reserve in the Czech Republic. The original bull and five cows have so far produced two young, and spend their time acclimatising to the Czech pasture, following their Polish upbringing.

Unlikely ever to roam the Czech forests in the same huge numbers as before, the reintroduction programme nonetheless demonstrates a start in repairing the damage of hunters to Europe's "gentle giants."

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.