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Pumpkin puzzles at London Zoo
cub with pumpkin
Sumatran cub with pumpkin enrichment.

Zoo residents treated to spook-tacular enrichment

Halloween's dark delights are not to be missed by the residents of London Zoo, as keepers serve up a variety of spooky snacks.

For the first time, the zoo's three Sumatran tiger cubs - Nakal, Budi and Cinta - revelled in the fearsome festivities by devouring pumpkins that were scent-marked to encourage the cubs' natural hunting instincts.

Other animals including penguins enjoyed pumpkins stuffed with their favourite treats. Giant Galapagos tortoise Dirk munched through his own pumpkin while the squirrel monkeys rooted their favourite nutty snacks out of pumpkin puzzles.

Squirrel monkey keeper Hannah Duprey said: "Our residents love getting involved with the spooky festivities at the Zoo, especially because they get terrific treats in their pumpkins!
 
"Giving our animals Halloween treats is fantastic enrichment for them; it encourages their natural hunting or foraging behaviours, and offers something new for them to investigate."

Image courtesy of ZSL London 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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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.'