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Light shed on elephant pregnancy
Length of elephant pregnancy explained

Elephant breeding programmes are set to be aided by research which solves the mystery of why elephants are pregnant for such a long time.

Elephants have the longest-known gestational period of any animal, lasting up to 680 days, and hitherto the reason has always been unclear. But now, advanced ultrasound methods have allowed veterinary scientists to monitor elephant pregnancies more closely.

Detailed in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the research reveals that the long gestational period gives the calf time to develop the advanced level of brain power it needs to recognise the complex social structure of the herd and to feed themselves with their dextrous trunks.

It is hoped the research may help with elephant breeding programmes in zoos, including elephant IVF, as well as developing effective elephant contraception.

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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. 

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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.