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'Chief cuddler' sought for baby wombat
wombat
The tiny marsupial is being cared for by wombat experts on Flinders Island in Tasmania, Australia.
Tourism Tasmania launches online competition
 
An online competition has been launched to find a 'chief cuddler' for a baby wombat.

The tiny marsupial is being cared for by wombat experts on Flinders Island in Tasmania, Australia. Just eight months old, the youngster has been named 'Derek' after being rescued from his mother's pouch when she was hit by a car.

An online video of Derek has since turned him into an internet celebrity.

The competition is being run by Tourism Tasmania, which promotes the region. The winner will be flown with a friend from their nearest Australian capital city to Flinders Island, which they will spend three nights exploring.

Despite the promising title of 'chief wombat cuddler', Tourism Tasmania's Phil Souter told the BBC that any access to Derek will be at the discretion of his handler and will be "very carefully monitored by his handler and carer".

Much will also depend on Derek's mood as wombats are "rambunctious little creatures," Mr Souter added.

For more information visit: http://gobehindthescenery.com.au/insiders-guide/competition/#.Vw4tp3DzfJz

Video still © Sean Scott Photography/Youtube

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."