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Unique Poo Identification Database
Poo from the capybara species is analysed as part of a project to help farmers manage their land sustainably.
Researchers funded by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the charity that owns Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, are creating a unique poo identification database, designed to help Brazilian farmers manage their land in a more sustainable and efficient way.

By evaluating the botanical composition of faeces from wild and domestic herbivores, researchers are able to identify the preferred plant grazing materials, foraging strategies and nutritional requirements of the animals. This information is used to recommend and help landowners adopt sound land management strategies that will benefit both cattle and wildlife as well as improve their profitability. The ultimate aim of the project is to lessen the impact of intensive cattle grazing on the pristine Pantanal region in Brazil.

The Pantanal is regularly flooded and is characterized by an astonishing diversity of wildlife with thousands of fascinating species present, many of which are endangered.
Speaking on a brief visit to Edinburgh to share the latest findings with his colleagues, Dr Arnaud Desbiez, Researcher for RZSS’s Pantanal Conservation Initiative based in Brazil, said: “The Pantanal region is a unique ecosystem with areas of forest, wetland and savannah and is recognised by several international conservation protection designations. Ninety-five percent of the area is owned by private landowners and we must work with them in order to safeguard this amazing place. Until recently, it was a pristine environment benefiting from large scale ranches, low human density and little active management.  But now as intensive farming practices overtake traditional methods, this ecosystem is increasingly threatened. The Pantanal Conservation Initiative Project funded by RZSS, a critical part of which is analyzing and identifying plants deposited within faecal matter, has helped us to provide practical tools to farmers to choose better ways to manage and use the land.”

RZSS researcher, Dr Arnaud Desbiez, often goes on horseback to collect samples during the rainy season.
As the world's largest wetland of any kind, the Pantanal is regularly flooded and is characterized by an astonishing diversity of wildlife with thousands of fascinating species present, many of which are endangered. Over 200 plant species have now been identified, photographed and characterised as part of this research.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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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.'