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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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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
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.