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Researchers ask public to report dead seals
The research will be the first large-scale study into seal deaths for more than 20 years.

New Defra-funded research will gather data on causes of death. 

Researchers at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) are asking members of the public to report any strandings of dead seals found in England and Wales.

The call comes as the ZSL’s Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme (CSIP), which currently investigates stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, marine turtles and sharks, expands its research to include grey and harbour seals.

Dead seals are often found on the coastlines of England and Wales, but there is currently limited information available about what causes their deaths or precisely how many are dying each year.

The expansion of the CSIP project has been funded by an eight-year grant from Defra. The research will be carried out in collaboration with partner organisations including the Natural History Museum, Marine Environment Monitoring, and the Cornwall Marine Pathology team.

It is more than 20 years since the last large-scale research project into seal deaths in England and Wales, which came as a response to the decline in North Sea seal populations caused by the phocine distemper virus (PDV).

Rob Deaville, CSIP project manager, said: “Monitoring seals populations and mortality is essential to allow us to spot any future outbreaks of PDV or other diseases such as influenza or mouth rot at an early stage. In light of recent positive cases of avian flu found in UK seals, we need to gain a better understanding of this new and emerging issue.

“We also need to learn more about the impacts on these iconic mammals from human activities, such as entanglement in fishing gear or marine plastics, ship-strikes, shooting and climate change. Investigating seal mortality may also help us gain a better understanding of the scale and extent of interactions between grey seals and other marine mammals.”

Sightings of dead seals in England and Wales can be reported to the CSIP by calling 0800 652 0333. Members of the public are advised not to approach or touch dead seals as they may be carrying disease.

 

Image (C) Zoological Society of London

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New RCVS Academy courses to remove barriers in vet care

News Story 1
 The RCVS Academy has launched two courses to its new client support series, as it seeks to improve accessibility in veterinary settings.

The courses will help professionals to support assistance dog partnerships and clients with hearing loss.

The Hearing loss and Assistance dogs courses saw RCVS project lead Catherine Hemingway collaborate with the British Deaf Association and Assistance Dogs UK. Vets will gain practical guidance on supporting clients with additional needs.

Each course takes an hour to complete, and can be accessed by RCVS registrants for free. 

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News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.