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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th November 2013
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Meerkats get merry
George investigating his Christmas stocking

Santa stockings and fireplace make for festive enrichment

As the festive spirit hits, keepers at Whipsnade Zoo are helping their meerkats join in the merriment with personalised Christmas stockings.

Meerkat trio Paul, George and Ringo each have a stocking full of treats hung on their very own fireplace, to encourage them to investigate something new as part of their daily enrichment activities.

Zookeeper Mark Holden said: "Paul, George and Ringo have definitely made it onto Santa’s nice list this year, so we stuffed their stockings full of their favourite cricket snacks as a pre-Christmas treat.

"Stuffed stockings are a great way of keeping the trio stimulated and encouraging them to be inquisitive."

Whipsnade's Meet Santa experience launched last week, coinciding with the meerkat's festive enrichment. Fitting in with the theme, the zoo will be offering children the chance to learn more about reindeers during daily talks at their paddock.

Image courtesy of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

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New roadshow brings free flea and tick checks to dog owners

News Story 1
 A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.

The All About Dogs shows in Norfolk and Knebworth, will be among the first events to host MSD Animal Health's Big Parasite Check campaign, which aims to address common misconceptions and highlight the importance of year-round parasite protection.

A total of six dog-friendly events will feature the free clinics from summer through to winter. Full roadshow dates and locations are available on The Big Parasite Check map or through your local MSD Animal Health Representative.  

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News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'