A growing awareness about the extent of plastic debris in the world’s oceans has prompted a number of studies into its impact on marine life. Graphic images of the stomach contents of dead turtles, fish, and seabirds have all suggested marine animals regularly ingest decaying bits of plastic, with lethal […]
Solving a piece of the DFTD puzzle
Scientists have long puzzled over how and why the fatal facial tumour disease that continues to ravage populations of Tasmanian devils in the wild became a transmissible cancer, given tumours usually grow exclusively in the organism where their cell of origin derives from. An international study that involved scientists from […]
New Tasmanian chief veterinarian appointed
After an extensive national recruitment process Tasmania’s newly appointed new Chief Veterinary Officer Kevin de Witte started work in January. In announcing the appointment Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett, said de Witte brought with him a wide range of knowledge and skills, having 35 years’ experience in the […]
Raptor Steven’s triumphant return home
Eatons Hill Veterinary Surgery has celebrated the recovery of a raptor sculpture which was stolen in 2016. Allan O’Grady’s Brisbane practice was contacted by police after the damaged sculpture was discovered during a raid at Albany Creek in September. Dubbed ‘Steven’ by local children, the female raptor was originally stolen […]
Hendra horse euthanased in NSW
A positive Hendra virus case involving a four-year-old Arab cross has occurred near Tweed Heads, NSW. The case was confirmed by a veterinarian who was wearing protective equipment at the time. The horse was not vaccinated against Hendra and was later euthanased. AVA spokesperson Ben Poole said it was critical […]