Humans can identify chicken moods, research says

The estimated 100 million chickens in Australia might be able to make their feelings known, after a University of Queensland study found humans can tell if chickens are excited or displeased, just by the sound of their clucks.   The study used recordings of the noises chickens made when they anticipated […]

Anthrax outbreak confirmed on cattle property 

An anthrax outbreak has been confirmed on a cattle property northeast of Shepparton, Victoria, prompting swift action from Agriculture Victoria. The property is quarantined, and measures are underway to manage the situation. Anthrax, caused by spore-forming bacteria in soil, poses a significant threat to livestock, resulting in rapid fatalities. Agriculture […]

Access to veterinary care: evaluating working definitions, barriers, and implications for animal welfare

Humans have a moral obligation to meet the physical and mental needs of the animals in their care. This requires access to resources such as veterinary care, which is integral to achieving animal welfare. However, “access” to veterinary care is not always homogenous across communities and currently lacks a consistent […]

Taronga Western Plains Zoo ends year on high note

Taronga Zoo is ending the year with good news all round. On October 4 – International Zookeeper Day – lion keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, New South Wales, welcomed three lion cubs, born late in the evening.  “The cubs are doing really well, they’re hitting all their […]

Federal government confirms commitment to phase out live sheep export trade

One of the largest federal parliamentary e-petitions in history, that called for an end to the live sheep export trade, was tabled towards the end of November with Agriculture Minister Senator Murray Watt, confirming the government’s commitment to an ‘orderly and considered’ transition away from the trade. In acknowledging ‘considerable […]