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Orcas escape frozen-over waters
Shift in winds brings lifeline to whale pod

A pod of orcas that have been struggling to survive since becoming trapped under sea ice are safe again, after winds changed and produced openings in the water.

On Tuesday (January 8), it was reported that a dozen orcas - commonly known as killer whales - were struggling to breath in Canada's Hudson Bay, due to a lack of gaps in sea ice.

Fortunately, locals from the village of Inukjuak, where the orcas were stuck, have reported that winds have shifted overnight, pushing the ice away from the coast and opening up the water.

The bay froze over a few days ago, when the whales were thought to be hunting for seals in the bay. The unusually mild weather meant the whales were still around when the cold weather hit, and a hunter spotted them trying to find space between the ice to come up for air.

The following day locals called on the Canadian government to send icebreaker ships to help free the orcas and, otherwise, intended to launch their own rescue operation.

However, since the ice has shifted, the orcas have managed to leave the area.

Marine Researcher Lyne Morissette said this may not mean the whales have escaped danger, adding that they will have to travel more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) to reach the open waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean.

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.