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Hyena communication techniques
A report has found that hyenas communicate using odours

Hyenas communicate using bacteria in their scent glands, according to a study in the current issue of Scientific Reports.

The study highlights a relationship between hyena clans and the microbes in their scent glands, which contain "odour-producing bacterial communities". Hyenas can distinguish these odours, which differ for each social group, using their noses.

This information was gathered from paste samples of a sour-smelling hyena secretion on the grassy Kenyan plains, as well as samples from hyenas' scent pouches. The samples revealed similarities between deposits left by members of the same clan.

Further studies will look deeper into the relationship between the bacteria and individual hyena clans, as well as finding out what information is being conveyed in this way.

"A critical component of every animal's behavioural repertoire is an effective communication system," said Michigan State University postdoctoral researcher and co-author of the study, Kevin Theis. "It is possible that without their bacteria, many animals couldn't 'say' much at all.

"The complex social lives of [hyenas] may ultimately be reliant upon their unheralded symbiotic microbial communities," added Theis.

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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.'