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In recent years, there has been increasing societal awareness of the crucial role that coastal dunes play in protecting against rising sea levels, mitigating climate change impacts, promoting biodiversity, and providing recreational opportunities. In some regions, dune management has been particularly focused on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration and the presence of alien species on dunes raises concerns about how these species become 'native,' 'invasive,' or 'hybrids' and whether they belong in their new ecosystems. These concerns illustrate how certain animals and plants assume different statuses according to normative categories associated with varying objectives. This article explores how perceptions of coastal dunes in the UK have transformed over time, from marginal resource frontiers to highly valued environments shaped by multispecies relations. In addition, this work explores how dunes around the UK emerge as 'patchy anthropocoasts,' that is, uneven landscapes designed by human purposes linked to economic activities, conservation, rabbit populations, unwanted vegetation, and the control of unpredictable sand movements. Bringing together diverse historical materials and scientific literature, this article links human and nonhuman histories with present debates on dune restoration from a transdisciplinary perspective rooted in anthropology, environmental history, and the natural sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The popularity of rabbits as pets has grown substantially in the UK. However, despite progress, this species still has a much higher anesthesia-related mortality than dogs and cats. Rabbits are prey animals that tend to hide signs of pain, which makes it particularly difficult to assess and to treat it adequately. Perioperative systemic opioid administration is a cofactor in the high perioperative mortality and morbidity rates recorded in rabbits. To reduce post-surgical opioid requirements, a multimodal analgesia regimen is advisable. In such a context, loco-regional anesthesia has gained a central role in daily anesthesia practice as it effectively and significantly reduces the doses of perioperative systemic analgesic drug requirements. The quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is an ultrasound-guided loco-regional anesthesia technique developed in human medicine consisting of the injection of local anesthetic within the quadratus lumborum (QL) fascia that provides analgesia to the abdominal wall and viscera by blocking the ventral branches of the thoraco-lumbar spinal nerves and sympathetic trunk. The efficacy of the QLB in human medicine has driven veterinary research to investigate this block in companion and farm animals. To date, no study has investigated the QLB in rabbits. With the present cadaveric study, these authors aimed to carry out the following: firstly, to investigate the anatomical layout of the thoraco-lumbar area in rabbits; secondly, to design a feasible ultrasound-guided QLB for rabbits; and thirdly, after comparing different volumes of injectate and analyzing the spread obtained, to propose the most suitable volume of injectate to administer. This research was conducted by performing anatomical dissections and computed tomographic studies in rabbit cadavers. Ultrasound-guided (US-guided) loco-regional anesthesia can provide significant analgesia and anesthetic-sparing effects when used in rabbits. The aims of this study were to investigate the thoraco-lumbar anatomy of the rabbits, particularly the quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle, to design an appropriate US-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) specific for rabbits, and to define the most adequate volume of injectate required to consistently cover the ventral branches of T11 to L3 without affecting the pelvic limb innervation (L4, L5 and L6). Sixteen adult rabbit cadavers were included in the study. After randomization, four different volumes of injectate (0.1 mL/kg, 0.2 mL/kg, 0.3 mL/kg and 0.4 mL/kg) were tested, with these volumes additionally randomized to two sites of injection (right or left QL fascia). An ultrasound-guided QLB was performed with a solution of lidocaine, iodinated contrast and tissue dye (in a proportion of 3:1:1 volume, respectively), with subsequent computed tomography (CT) and anatomical dissection, to evaluate the spread of the injectate. In all but one case, the US-guided QLB performed with a dorsolateral approach using 0.3 mL/kg was adequate, while a dose of 0.4 mL/kg consistently reached the targeted nerves but also extended to L4 and caudally. This may suggest that an injectate volume of 0.3 mL/kg may be the most appropriate to produce adequate spread while not affecting pelvic limb innervation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of ear disease on animal welfare and behaviour are little documented. Ear disease may be common in rabbits, but difficult to recognise, and lop-ears have previously been indicated as a risk factor for ear disease. We aimed to better understand the range of ear conditions in pet rabbits, signalment risk factors, and impacts on welfare and behaviour. Through an online questionnaire, we investigated owner-reported signalment, veterinary diagnosis of ear conditions, impaired hearing, and ear pain for UK pet rabbits. Relationships between ear condition measures and ear conformation, quality of life, and behaviour were analysed using logistic regression. Of 551 valid responses, 28.5% of rabbits reportedly had experienced ear conditions; 21.2% diagnosed or mentioned by vets, with otitis and excess cerumen most common. Approximately 25% of lop-eared rabbits had ear conditions indicated by a vet versus 10% of erect-eared rabbits. Lop-eared, half-lop, and older rabbits were most at risk (P<0.050). Rabbits reported as showing ear pain responses had reduced owner-reported quality of life compared with other rabbits (P<0.050). Rabbits with ear problems were less likely to be responsive to relevant sounds, and performed binky behaviour (joy jumps) less frequently, than rabbits without such issues. Understanding prevalence and risk factors for ear conditions is critical to improving welfare standards across this widely owned pet species. The findings suggest that improved recognition and treatment of ear conditions, and avoiding breeding from rabbits with early signs, or a family history, of ear disease are necessary to help combat this animal welfare issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the immunogenicity and dose-dependent immune response of toxinotypes of bovine origin viz Staphylococcus aureus (tst), Streptococcus uberis (Cpn-60 targeted STUB), and Escherichia coli (aggR) in a rabbit model - a step forward towards an effective polyvalent mastitis vaccine. To evaluate the primary and secondary immune response (immunogenicity) against the concentration of 106 cells/mL of each preparation containing subject vaccinal isolates, 24 rabbits were divided randomly into 4 equal groups viz A, B, C and D. Each antigenic preparation was inoculated to the rabbits of group A to C @ 0.2 mL SC while group D served as control (placebo) at day 0 as priming dose and a booster dose at day 7 respectively. The serum antibodies titers were recorded in terms of Optical Density (OD) values at day 0 (pre-inoculation), 7, 14, 21 and 28 (post-inoculation) by iELISA Mastitis Kit (Abbexa, UK). The antibody response was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the post-booster samples at day-14 and day-21 for all the selected isolates. The highest primary antibody response (1.74 ± 0.14) as well as secondary immune response (2.04 ± 0.13) was shown by Strept. uberis (Cpn-60 STUB) in group B on day-14 followed in order by group C and A respectively. Likewise, dose-dependent immune response to composite antigens of 3 different antigenic concentrations of vaccinal isolates: 108 cells/mL; 1010 cells/mL; 1012 cells/mL of each of vaccinal isolates in 18 adult rabbits divided randomly into 3 groups of 6 (A, B and C) respectively for dose standardization was evaluated. Serum samples were collected at weekly intervals following completion of 2nd shot of inocula of each dose for 3 consecutive weeks. The rabbits of group B injected with 1010 cells mL-1 of S. aureus (tst) showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) serum iELISA O.D value (2.97A, a ± 0.10) followed in order by E. coli (aggR) (2.84a ± 0.08) and Str. uberis (cpn60 STUB) (2.78a ± 0.07) at day-14 postinoculation. This study revealed the concentration of 1010 cells/mL of each subject mastitogens as a standard bacterial load for polyvalent mastitis vaccines with higher and sustained antigenicity in rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visitors are a prominent feature of the zoo environment and lives of zoo animals. The COVID-19 pandemic led to repeated and extended closure periods for zoos worldwide. This unique period in zoological history enabled the opportunity to investigate the consistency of behavioural responses of zoo animals to closures and subsequent reopenings. Bennett's wallabies (Notamacropus rufogriseus), meerkats (Suricata suricatta), macaws (red and green: Ara chloropterus; blue and yellow: Ara ararauna; military: Ara militaris) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) held at four zoological collections in the United Kingdom were studied during COVID-19 closures and subsequent reopening periods. Facilities were closed for three time periods during 2020 and 2021: March–June/July 2020; November–December 2020; January–April/May 2021. Behavioural data were captured during closures (maximum n = 3) and reopening periods (maximum n = 3) during five-min scans using instantaneous scan sampling with a one-minute inter-scan interval. General linear models (GLMs) and general linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to investigate the relationship between observed behaviours and open/closed periods. Changes were observed in behaviour between open and closure periods in all species, and in some instances changes were also observed over time, with animals responding differently to different closure and reopening periods. However, no overt positive or negative impacts of the closures or reopening periods were identified for these species. The study species may have different relationships with zoo visitors, but no clear differences were seen across the species studied. The unique opportunity to study animals over a long period of time during repeated closure periods enabled a greater understanding of the impact of zoo visitors on animals. As with other work in this sphere, these data support the adaptability of zoo animals to zoo visitors. This work contributes to the growing field of research undertaken during the COVID-19 periods and enhances our understanding of the impact that these zoological closures had on a wider body of species in a number of facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Domestic rabbit breeds vary substantially from the wild rabbit body type. However, little is known about how the conformation of pet rabbits influences their health., Methods: Data were extracted from VetCompass anonymised clinical records of rabbits under UK primary veterinary care during 2019., Results: The study included 162,107 rabbits. Based on 88,693 rabbits with relevant breed information recorded, skull shape was classified as brachycephalic (79.69%), mesaticephalic (16.80%) and dolichocephalic (3.51%). Based on 83,821 rabbits with relevant breed information recorded, ear carriage was classified as lop-eared (57.05%) and erect-eared (42.95%). From a random sample of 3933 rabbits, the most prevalent disorders recorded overall were overgrown nail(s) (28.19%), overgrown molar(s) (14.90%) and obesity (8.82%). Compared to those with a mesaticephalic skull shape, brachycephalic rabbits had lower odds of obesity, anorexia and gastrointestinal stasis and higher odds of perineal faecal impaction, tear duct abnormality and haircoat disorder. Compared to erect-eared rabbits, lop-eared rabbits had higher odds of perineal faecal impaction and tear duct abnormality., Limitation: A large proportion of records with incomplete breed information hindered full analysis for breed-related and conformation-related attributes., Conclusion: Limited evidence for major links between skull shape or ear carriage conformations and overall disorder risk suggests that factors such as husbandry or even just living life as a domesticated species may be bigger drivers of common health issues in pet rabbits in the UK., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.)

Orofacial masses or swellings are a common presenting complaint in lagomorphs. Similar gross appearances of the masses can complicate clinical interpretation, and histologic review often provides the final diagnosis. Underlying causes vary from infectious to neoplastic. Although inflammatory changes are most commonly reported, various neoplasms occur, although the prevalence of specific tumor types is relatively unknown. We reviewed retrospectively 120 cases (87.5% biopsy, 12.5% autopsy) of neoplastic and non-neoplastic orofacial masses received from January 2000-February 2023 at 2 institutions: University of Guelph, Canada (Animal Health Laboratory and Department of Pathobiology), and Finn Pathologists, United Kingdom. All final diagnoses were achieved through histologic assessment. We included masses or mass-like swellings from the oral cavity, including the mandible and maxilla, and surrounding skin and soft tissues of the oral cavity and jaw. Submissions included pet and commercial (meat and fur) rabbits. Neoplastic lesions were most common (60%), including trichoblastomas, papillomas, melanocytic neoplasms, sarcomas, round-cell tumors, carcinomas (including squamous cell carcinoma), lipomas, odontogenic neoplasms, polyps, osteoma, neuroma, peripheral keratinizing ameloblastoma, and apocrine adenoma. Inflammatory diagnoses (30%) included abscesses, osteomyelitis, dermatitis, and sialadenitis. Other diagnoses (7%) included cysts, as well as hyperplastic skin and proliferative bone lesions. Three cases had no definitive diagnosis. The importance of histologic assessment in diagnosing orofacial "masses" in rabbits is highlighted, given that the most common diagnostic category overall was neoplasia., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Rabbits are popular pets, but research into their welfare is limited. This study analysed the potential association(s) between the provision of suitable housing and owner demographic factors. Methods: Data from 2017, 2018 and 2019 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report surveys gave a sample of 1333 UK rabbit owners. Whether the rabbit housing was adequate or inadequate was ascertained by asking owners to indicate images of hutch and run size or indoor environment type that were similar to their own. The owner demographic factors collected included gender, education, household income and deprivation. Chi‐squared tests and binary logistic regression (univariable and multivariable) were used to investigate factors associated with adequate/inadequate housing. Results: One‐third (31.2%) of rabbits lived in inadequate housing and half were housed alone (51.4%). Male owners were more likely to report providing inadequate housing than females (odds ratio [OR] = 1.795, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.319–2.441, p < 0.001). Compared to owners over 55 years old, those aged 25–34 years were more likely to house their rabbits inadequately (OR = 2.050, 95% CI 1.286–3.267, p = 0.003). Owners with a household income below average were more likely to report providing inadequate housing compared to those with a household income above average (OR = 1.406, 95% CI 1.025–1.928, p = 0.035). Conclusion: The findings identify that inadequate rabbit housing is provided by owners of all ages, genders and deprivation levels but highlight some particular owner demographics that could be useful to target if resources are limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rabbits, a white-spotted liver can be indicative of one of several disease processes, frequently caused by parasites. To date, the prevalence of white-spotted liver in wild rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, in the United Kingdom is undetermined. We evaluated the prevalence and main parasitic etiologies of this entity in a U.K. population of wild rabbits. Wild rabbits (n = 87) were shot in Cambridgeshire for population control, and cadavers were donated for research. Postmortem examination was undertaken, including gross and histologic hepatic examination. Macroscopic lesions consistent with white-spotted liver were found in 46 of 87 (53%) rabbits examined; most of these lesions were considered to be mild. For 28 of 46 (59%) rabbits with gross hepatic lesions, an etiologic agent was apparent histologically. Eimeria stiedae was detected in 21 of 87 (24%) rabbits, and Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) was detected in 7 of 87 (8%). In the subset of rabbits killed in the summer, there was a significant association between white-spotted liver and juvenile age class. There was also an association between white-spotted liver caused by E. stiedae and juvenile age class. When restricting analysis to rabbits with white-spotted liver caused by E. stiedae and submitted in the summer, both juvenile age class and female had significant effects. E. stiedae and C. hepaticum can be transmitted to pet lagomorphs via contaminated vegetation, and to humans in the case of the latter, which demonstrates the importance of monitoring the prevalence of these parasitic diseases in wild rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leporine dysautonomia (or dysautonomia of hares) is an idiopathic disorder associated with degeneration of neurons of the peripheral nervous system with loss of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve function. The disease has so far been described in rabbits and hares from Great Britain, and a similar disorder has also been described in horses (grass sickness), dogs and cats (Key-Gaskell syndrome) throughout the world. We describe a case of leporine dysautonomia in a rabbit from Croatia, characterized by gross findings of cachexia, dehydration, dilated intestines and urinary bladder. Histologic findings included severe vacuolation of neurons of the submucous and myenteric plexus in the intestinal tract. This disease presents a rare disorder of rabbits, and based on current report, it should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis is rabbits with neurologic clinical signs and mild gross findings including cachexia and distension of intestine and urinary bladder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The INHAND (International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria for Lesions Project (www.toxpath.org/inhand. asp) is a joint initiative of the Societies of Toxicologic Pathology from Europe (ESTP), Great Britain (BSTP), Japan (JSTP) and North America (STP) to develop an internationally accepted nomenclature for proliferative and non-proliferative lesions in laboratory animals. The purpose of this publication is to provide a standardized nomenclature for classifying microscopic lesions observed in most tissues and organs from the laboratory rabbit used in nonclinical safety studies. Some of the lesions are illustrated by color photomicrographs. The standardized nomenclature presented in this document is also available electronically on the internet (http://www.goreni.org/). Sources of material included histopathology databases from government, academia, and industrial laboratories throughout the world. Content includes spontaneous lesions as well as lesions induced by exposure to test materials. Relevant infectious and parasitic lesions are included as well. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for lesions in laboratory animals will provide a common language among regulatory and scientific research organizations in different countries and increase and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbits are highly abundant in many countries and can serve as reservoirs of diseases for a diversity of pathogens including the enteric protozoan parasites, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Both parasites shed environmentally robust environmental stages (oo/cysts) and have been responsible for numerous waterborne outbreaks of diseases. Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum are responsible for most infections in humans, while Giardia duodenalis assemblages A and B, cause most human cases of giardiasis. Cryptosporidium cuniculus , the dominant species infecting rabbits, is the only spceies other than C. hominis and C. parvum to have caused a waterborne outbreak of gastritis, which occurred in the United Kingdom in 2008. This review examines the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia species in rabbits to better understand the public health risks of contamination of water sources with Cryptosporidium and Giardia oo/cysts from rabbits. Despite the abundance of C. cuniculus in rabbits, reports in humans are relatively rare, with the exception of the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and reports of C. cuniculus in humans from the United Kingdom have declined substantially since the 2008 outbreak. Subtyping of C. cuniculus has supported the potential for zoonotic transmission. Relatively few studies have been conducted on Giardia , but assemblage B dominates. However, improved typing methods are required to better understand the transmission dynamics of Giardia assemblages in rabbits. Similarly, it is not well understood if pet rabbits or contaminated water are the main source of C. cuniculus infections in humans. Well-planned studies using high-resolution typing tools are required to understand the transmission dynamics better and quantify the public health risk of Cryptosporidium and Giardia from rabbits. [Display omitted] • Cryptosporidium cuniculus responsible for most infections in rabbits. • Only species other than C. hominis and C. parvum to have caused waterborne outbreak. • C. cuniculus appears to be largely host specific, with few reports in humans. • Limited studies on Giardia, but G. duodenalis assemblage B dominates. • Low shedding of Cryptosporidium and Giardia oo/cysts from rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of the multicomponent meningococcal vaccine 4CMenB in the UK schedule at 2, 4, and 12 months of age has been shown to be 59·1% effective at preventing invasive group B meningococcal disease. Here, we report the first data on the immunogenicity of this reduced-dose schedule to help to interpret this effectiveness estimate.Methods: In this multicentre, parallel-group, open-label, randomised clinical trial, infants aged up to 13 weeks due to receive their primary immunisations were recruited via child health database mailouts in Oxfordshire and via general practice surgeries in Gloucestershire and Hertfordshire. Infants were randomly assigned (1:1) with permuted block randomisation to receive a 2 + 1 (2, 4, and 12 months; group 1) or 1 + 1 (3 and 12 months; group 2) schedule of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). All infants also received 4CMenB at 2, 4, and 12 months of age, and had blood samples taken at 5 and 13 months. Participants and clinical trial staff were not masked to treatment allocation. Proportions of participants with human complement serum bactericidal antibody (hSBA) titres of at least 4 were determined for group B meningococcus (MenB) reference strains 5/99 (Neisserial Adhesin A [NadA]), NZ98/254 (porin A), and 44/76-SL (factor H binding protein [fHbp]). Geometric mean titres (GMTs) with 95% CIs were also calculated, and concomitant vaccine responses (group C meningococcus [MenC], Haemophilus influenzae b [Hib], tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) were compared between groups. The primary outcome was PCV13 immunogenicity, with 4CMenB immunogenicity and reactogenicity as secondary outcomes. All individuals by randomised group with a laboratory result were included in the analysis. The study is registered on the EudraCT clinical trials database, 2015-000817-32, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02482636, and is complete.Findings: Between Sept 22, 2015, and Nov 1, 2017, of 376 infants screened, 213 were enrolled (106 in group 1 and 107 in group 2). 204 samples post-primary immunisation and 180 post-boost were available for analysis. The proportion of participants with hSBA of at least 4 was similar in the two study groups. For strain 5/99, all participants developed hSBA titres above 4 in both groups and at both timepoints. For strain 44/76-SL, these proportions were 95·3% (95% CI 88·5-98·7) or above post-priming (82 of 86 participants in group 1), and 92·4% (84·2-97·2) or above post-boost (73 of 79 participants in group 1). For strain NZ98/254, these proportions were 86·5% (78·0-92·6) or above post-priming (83 of 96 participants in group 2) and 88·6% (79·5-94·7) or above post-boost (70 of 79 participants in group 1). The MenC rabbit complement serum bactericidal antibody (rSBA) titre in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (888·3 vs 540·4; p=0·025). There was no significant difference in geometric mean concentrations between groups 1 and 2 for diphtheria, tetanus, Hib, and pertussis post-boost. A very small number of children did not have a protective response against 44/76-SL and NZ98/254. Local and systemic reactions were similar between the two groups, apart from the 3 month timepoint when one group received an extra dose of PCV13 and recorded more systemic reactions.Interpretation: These data support the recent change to the licensed European schedule for 4CMenB to add an infant 2 + 1 schedule, as used in the routine UK vaccine programme with an effectiveness of 59·1%. When compared with historical data, our data do not suggest that effectiveness would be higher with a 3 + 1 schedule, however a suboptimal boost response for bactericidal antibodies against vaccine antigen fHbp suggests a need for ongoing surveillance for vaccine breakthroughs due to fHbp-matched strains. Changing from a 2 + 1 to a 1 + 1 schedule for PCV13 for the UK is unlikely to affect protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and Hib, however an unexpected reduction in bactericidal antibodies against MenC seen with the new schedule suggests that ongoing surveillance for re-emergent MenC disease is important.Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institute for Health Research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are an estimated 1.5 million pet rabbits in the UK, when compared to cats (11 million) and dogs (9.4 million) this figure may seem small; however, rabbits have been domesticated for a relatively shorter period of time and their population is rapidly increasing in comparison. Rabbits rise in popularity as pets has caused an increase in presentation in veterinary practice. Rabbit owners expect the same high standards of care that dogs and cats receive in veterinary practice, therefore it is essential that veterinary professionals achieve a better understanding about the species to provide efficient care. Rabbits being a prey species often conceal their illness until they are in critical condition, posing a significant challenge to both owners and veterinary professionals in early recognition of clinical signs. Therefore it is essential that registered veterinary nurses (RVN's) and veterinary surgeons (VS) are confident in identifying changes in rabbit behaviour which includes eating habits and faecal output. Recognising symptoms early will aid in implementing treatment and reducing mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For many veterinarians, focusing on rabbit behavioural issues may not seem like a top priority in their practice. However, a willingness to engage owners on this topic will significantly improve the welfare and health of the UK's third most popular mammalian pet. Aim of the article: This article details a simple approach that can be used for the most common behavioural problems encountered in rabbits, and also suggests some tips for what to do if you are out of your depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbits are popular family pets. They are prey species and so have evolved to hide signs of illness and pain. Recent research has developed robust pain scales for use in a clinical setting, but to date none has examined rabbit owners' ability to recognise pain in their animals. This study investigated how owners identify pain in their pet rabbits and their ability to correctly identify different levels of pain, in order to determine any need for owner education in this area., Methods: Owners were recruited via Facebook and a two-part online survey was distributed. Part one collected data on demographics, owners' knowledge of pain signs and beliefs about pain in rabbits. Part two asked respondents to pain score eight videos of rabbits in different levels of pain for comparison to pain scores made by three experts. We used a simplified version of the Bristol Rabbit Pain Score (BRPS) which involved a single 0 to 3 scale. We explored the number of pain signs each respondent could list, the total score given to the videos, and their deviation from the experts' scores., Results: A total of 500 respondents completed part one of the survey and 345 additionally completed Part two. Respondents were on average able to state five signs of pain (range 0-12), but females stated significantly more (p = 0.018), as did those who worked with rabbits (p = 0.004) and those with experience of their rabbit having an operation (p = 0.01). Overall, 98.6% of respondents thought rabbits felt pain as much or more that dogs and cats. In Part two, respondents more frequently agreed with the experts when identifying rabbits in no pain (88.8%) and severe pain (65.2%), but there was lower agreement when identifying mild (28.4%) and moderate pain (43.2%). Respondents overall rated pain lower than experts with an average total pain score of 11.9 compared to 18 given by the experts., Conclusions: Most rabbit owners are able to list numerous pain signs and are generally able to identify pain-free rabbits and those in severe pain. Owners' ability to differentiate between mild and moderate pain is more limited and could benefit from training in the subtler signs of pain. Veterinary professionals are well placed to educate owners about signs of pain in rabbits and should be aware of areas where owners' knowledge can be improved., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Some prior evidence has suggested that lop-eared rabbits and those with brachycephalic skull conformations have a higher dental disease risk. This retrospective cohort study reports the frequency and conformational risk factors for primary-care veterinary diagnosis with dental disease in companion rabbits in the UK., Methods: Anonymised VetCompass clinical records were manually reviewed to confirm dental disease cases. Risk factor analysis used multivariable binary logistic regression modelling., Results: From 161,979 rabbits under primary veterinary care in 2019, the 1-year period prevalence of overall dental disease was 15.36% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.78-15.96). The prevalence of dental disease affecting incisors was 3.14% (95% CI: 2.87-3.44), and for cheek teeth it was 13.72% (95% CI: 13.17-14.29). Neither lop-eared conformation nor brachycephalic skull conformation was significantly associated with increased odds of dental disease. Dental disease odds increased as age increased and decreased as bodyweight increased., Limitations: This study retrospectively accessed clinical records, so breed names may sometimes be imprecise., Conclusion: The high overall prevalence of dental disease represents a major welfare concern for all companion rabbits, regardless of conformation. This information can be used to encourage regular routine dental assessment of rabbits of all conformations to promote earlier diagnosis, paying particular attention to older rabbits and those with low bodyweight., (© 2024 The Authors. Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.)

As rabbits are the third most common pet in the UK, it is imperative that RVNs are able to provide exemplary care to these patients. It is important that rabbits be treated according to their physiological needs, in order to minimise stress and improve survival rates in the peri-anaesthetic period. This article provides a summary of nursing care and interventions to consider when anaesthetising a healthy rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To gain insight into veterinary nurse knowledge of pain recognition and control in rabbits. Materials and Methods: We used a survey to establish current attitudes amongst veterinary nurses towards pain management in pet rabbits and factors that might shape those attitudes. The survey was advertised at national and international veterinary conferences, in veterinary publications and on social media. Results: A total of 284 questionnaires (95% from the UK) were completed and analysed. The majority of respondents (78%) nursed 1–10 rabbits per month and 5.6% of the respondents reported regularly running a rabbit clinic. The respondents were regularly involved in nursing during common procedures such as castration and ovariohysterectomy. Responsibility for post‐operative pain assessment was reported to be by "nurses only" (50%), "nurses and vets" (42%) and occasionally by "vets only" (3%). The majority of respondents reported that they did not use a pain scale but often relied on behavioural indicators, while 20% used the Rabbit Grimace Scale. The majority of the respondents reported being "fairly confident" at recognising pain in rabbits. Clinical Significance: Veterinary nurses are involved in many aspects of rabbit care, and they are generally confident at nursing this species. This survey also suggests the need for more data on the use of pain assessment tools in rabbits and the importance of teamwork between nurses and veterinarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report PCR results and vaccination status of rabbits with rabbit haemorrhagic disease following an investigation into sudden or unexpected death. Materials and Methods: PCR testing for RHDV2 and RHDV1 was performed on rabbit liver samples at two laboratories. Laboratory A reported results as positive or negative; Laboratory B reported results quantitatively as RNA copies per mg liver, categorised as negative, inconclusive or positive. The vaccination status of rabbits with both histopathological features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and positive PCR test results were collated. Results: PCR results matched histopathological findings in 188 of 195 (96%) cases. Seven individuals showed equivocal results, all of which had histopathological features of RHD but three tested PCR‐negative and four results conflicted between laboratories. RHDV2 was the serotype detected in all PCR‐positive cases. Histological features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and PCR test results were positive in 125 rabbits; 51 unvaccinated, 56 in‐date with Nobivac Myxo‐RHD and 13 vaccinated against RHDV2 – although nine of these were vaccinated within 10 days of death. Clinical Significance: PCR testing complements histopathology in cases of sudden death in rabbits by confirming the diagnosis and identifying virus serotype, but there can be false negatives. Although RHDV2 is currently prevalent in UK pet rabbits, vaccination against both RHDV1 and RHDV2 is recommended. Failures of RHDV2 vaccine are infrequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report clinical features, gross post mortem and histopathological findings from an investigation into sudden or unexpected death in rabbits that was undertaken during an outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Materials and Methods: Using a standard protocol, veterinarians were invited to submit case histories and results of their post mortem examination of pet rabbits that died unexpectedly. Histopathological examination of heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidney samples was collated with macroscopic appearance and clinical details. Results: Hepatocellular necrosis, characteristic of rabbit haemorrhagic disease, was observed in 185 of 300 (62%) submissions, often accompanied by glomerular thrombosis and changes in other organs. Evidence of rabbit haemorrhagic disease was not apparent on histopathology in 113 of 300 (38%) rabbits. Gross post mortem examination by veterinary practitioners did not always reflect reported histopathological changes. No macroscopic abnormalities were seen in 78/185 (42%) of rabbit haemorrhagic disease cases. Rapid death and death of other rabbits in the household were common features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease. Ante mortem clinical signs included anorexia, collapse, lethargy, seizures, icterus, bleeding from the mouth, dyspnoea, hypothermia, pyrexia, bradycardia or poor blood clotting. Clinical Importance: Rabbit haemorrhagic disease can be suspected from a history of sudden death, especially if multiple rabbits are affected. There is not always macroscopic evidence of the disease but histopathology is useful to support or refute a diagnosis of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and provide information about other causes of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess and compare the face (FV) and content validity (CV) of three ex vivo animal models for simulation training in pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR). Methods: Feasibility of performing LTR was assessed on the head and neck of three different animals (lamb/suckling-pig/rabbit) and laryngeal dimensions and qualitative observations were recorded. A 19-item five-point Likert scale questionnaire was completed for each model to assess FV and CV. Data was prospectively collected and analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Results: All three models were suitable for LTR simulation with laryngeal dimensions corresponding to 0-2 years (rabbit), 5-10 (pig) and >10 years (lamb model). Five trainees and five expert pediatric otolaryngologists performed LTR on each model. The overall median FV score was 5 for the lamb model (IQR 4-5), 3 for the rabbit (IQR 2-3), and 4 for the pig (IQR 4-4). The overall median CV score was 5 for the lamb (IQR 5-5), 2 for the rabbit (IQR 2-3), and 4 for the pig model (IQR 4-4). Comparison of the models demonstrated the lamb to be favored as the most realistic and practical model for simulation training in pediatric LTR, with both the lamb and the porcine model attaining validation thresholds. Conclusion: Our study is the first comparative validation assessment of animal models for use in pediatric LTR simulation and it supports the use of ex vivo lamb and porcine models for use in LTR surgical skills training. The lamb model was the favored simulation model while the rabbit was considered inferior for simulation training in pediatric LTR. Level of Evidence: 3b [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of breed and season on rabbits' fur characteristics under Egyptian semi-arid conditions was studied in this research. Fifty-nine male rabbits aged 3-3.5 mo of Gabaly (GB, n=21) and New Zealand White (NZW, n=27) breeds and their crossbred (NZW×GB, n=11) were studied during two subsequent seasons; summer (n=31) and winter (n=28). Skin samples were taken pre-slaughtering to determine the histological parameters, skin layer thicknesses and physical traits of fur fibres. After slaughter, rabbits' furs were chrome tanned to determine physical and chemical properties. Results showed that all histological parameters of follicle dimensions were affected (P<0.01) by season, breed and their interaction. In summer, primary follicles had larger follicle dimensions and produced coarser fibres than in winter, whereas opposite results were observed for the secondary follicles. Additionally, the uniformity of fibre diameter distribution and hair length of furs were higher (P<0.01) in summer than in winter. Results indicated the role of the seasonal variations in body coat to accommodate the climatic changes. NZW rabbits were superior (P<0.01) in most histological parameters of follicle dimensions, followed by NZW×GB crossbred and finally GB rabbits, while NZW×GB crossbred produced finer (P<0.01) fur fibre than NZW and GB rabbits. Otherwise, influence of season and breed were negligible on the skin layer thickness values and the physical and chemical fur properties. Consequently, the study concluded that tanned rabbit furs are suitable for manufacturing leather garments when used alone, while reinforcing the fur with textile padding may increase their utility for other leather manufacturing purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify implicit causes of companion rabbit relinquishment, this study investigated whether there was annual and seasonal variation in the number of advertisements and ages of rabbits posted as free or for sale on classified websites in the United Kingdom. The number of advertisements posted decreased from 2014 to 2016. There was an increase in the number of advertisements for free rabbits in winter compared with other seasons, which could be a result of caregivers' reduced willingness to interact with their rabbits and carry out husbandry during periods of inclement weather. Rabbits advertised as free were older than rabbits advertised for sale, and rabbits relinquished due to human-related reasons were older than those relinquished because of rabbit-related factors. It is recommended that further research is undertaken to elucidate whether providing education to prospective rabbit caregivers regarding the life span of rabbits and their substantial husbandry requirements, especially in winter, would deter the purchase of rabbits by caregivers unable or unwilling to care for them in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As rabbits are the third most common pet in the UK, it is imperative that RVNs are able to provide exemplary care to these patients. It is important that rabbits be treated according to their physiological needs, in order to minimise stress and improve survival rates in the peri-anaesthetic period. This article provides a summary of nursing care and interventions to consider when anaesthetising a healthy rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild rabbits in Australia developed genetic resistance to the myxoma virus, which was introduced as a biological control agent. However, little is known about the rate at which this evolutionary change occurred. We collated data from challenge trials that estimated rabbit resistance to myxomatosis in Australia and expressed resistance on a continuous scale, enabling trends in its development to be assessed over 45 years up to 1995. Resistance initially increased rapidly, followed by a plateau lasting ten years, before a second rapid increase occurred associated with the introduction of European rabbit fleas as myxoma virus vectors. By contrast, in the United Kingdom, where rabbit flea vectors were already present when the myxoma virus initially spread, resistance developed more slowly. No estimates of rabbit resistance to myxomatosis have been made for almost 30 years, despite other highly lethal rabbit pathogens becoming established worldwide. Continued testing of wild-caught rabbits in Australia to determine current levels of resistance to myxomatosis is recommended to assess its current effectiveness for managing pest rabbits. Given the economic and environmental significance of invasive rabbits, it would be remiss to manage such biological resources and ecosystem services poorly.

Easter and Christmas are the most important events in the Christian calendar. Despite their global reach and cultural significance, astonishingly little is known about the festivals' genesis. Equally obscure is our understanding of the animals that have come to be associated with these celebrations - notably the Christmas Turkey and the Easter 'Bunny' (brown hare and the European rabbit). Like Christianity, none of these animals are native to Britain and the timing and circumstances of their arrivals are poorly understood, often obfuscated by received wisdom. This paper firstly refines the bio-cultural histories of the species that, in contemporary Britain, form integral parts of Easter and Christmas festivities. Secondly, we celebrate the non-native species which have played such an important role in the creation of Britain's cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a prolonged miscarriage in the spring, Mary Toft – a poor woman from the Surrey town of Godalming – began giving birth to parts of animals in the autumn of 1726. Reportedly beginning with initial deliveries of parts of cats, pigs and rabbits in September, Toft's deliveries were soon exclusively of rabbits and these continued to appear until mid November. Historians have focused on the medical and wider cultural context of the episode. Other scholars have explored what this case reveals about contemporary ideas about frauds, monstrosity and the self. Mary Toft and her rabbit births have become an exemplary case in cultural history. This article is part of a recent reassessment of cultural history and the renewed emphasis on its relationship with the study of social and material relations of power. This article situates Mary Toft and her rabbits in the social and political contexts of family, neighbourhood, parish, town, county and metropolis. It undertakes a micro-history to expose the stark inequities and quotidian exclusions that shaped the hoax and responses to it, arguing that the case was shaped by the politics of social conflict and disaffection amongst the poor. The article then views the case within the social and political context of the 1720s, showing why it was of interest not just to doctors, but to lawmakers and law enforcers. The case developed amidst considerable fears about unrest, disorder and crime amongst the local and county elite and particularly tense social and political relations in south-east England as discussed in E. P. Thompson's Whigs and Hunters (1975). Toft's case invites consideration of how accounts of protest such as Thompson's – one exclusively about men – might be adjusted to take account of the practices of women and the family within the domestic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1970s, 1% of the UK population consulted with dyspepsia; fiberoptic gastroscopy allowed biopsy specimens under direct vision enabling systematic histopathology. Steer et al described clusters of flagellated bacteria closely apposed to the gastric epithelium associated with chronic active gastritis. The first UK series of Helicobacter pylori following Marshall's 1983 visit to Worcester confirmed the association of H. pylori with gastritis. UK researchers completed much early helicobacter research as there were many UK campylobacteriologists. Steer and Newell proved the Campylobacter-like organisms grown on culture were the same as those seen in the gastric mucosa using antiserum raised by inoculating rabbits with H. pylori from cultures. Wyatt, Rathbone, and others showed a strong correlation between the number of organisms, type and severity of acute gastritis, immunological response, and bacterial adhesion similar to enteropathogenic E coli. Seroprevalence studies indicated H. pylori increased with age. Histopathologists also showed peptic duodenitis was in effect "gastritis in the duodenum" caused by H. pylori, unifying its role in the pathogenesis of both gastritis and duodenal ulceration. These bacteria were initially called Campylobacter pyloridis and then C. pylori. However, electron microscopy suggested that the bacteria were not campylobacters, and this was supported by differences in fatty acid and polyacrylamide electrophoresis profiles. In-vitro tests indicated that H. pylori was susceptible to penicillins, erythromycin, and quinolones, but not trimethoprim or cefsulodin allowing development of selective media for culture. Monotherapy with erythromycin ethylsuccinate was ineffective, and patients treated with bismuth subsalicylate initially responded with clearance of H. pylori and the associated gastritis, but then many relapsed. Thus, pharmacokinetic and treatment studies were important to direct suitable dual and triple treatments. Work optimized serology, and the rapid biopsy urease and urea breath tests. The link between H.pylori and gastric cancer was established in large seroprevalence studies, and H. pylori test and treat for dyspepsia became routine., (© 2023 The Author. Helicobacter published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

1. Paratuberculosis ( Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis; Map) is a widespread and difficult disease to control in livestock populations and also has possible links to Crohn's disease in humans. Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) have been identified recently as the key wildlife species in terms of paratuberculosis transmission to the wider host community. Here, we test the hypothesis that Map can persist in rabbit populations for extended periods of time in the absence of any external source of infection. 2. A spatially explicit stochastic simulation model of a generic host–disease interaction was developed to quantify the interplay between vertical and horizontal routes of transmission needed for the persistence of Map in rabbit populations and to test the hypothesis. The model was parameterized based on empirical studies on rabbit population dynamics and on rabbit-to-rabbit routes of Map transmission. 3. Predictions from the model suggest that any disease with susceptible–infected (SI) dynamics without disease-induced mortality can persist within a rabbit population in the absence of vertical transmission, providing the horizontal transmission coefficient, β, is greater than approximately 0·012. The inclusion of any vertical transmission reduces the value of β that is necessary for infection to persist. 4. Paratuberculosis persists in rabbit populations at all values of the horizontal and vertical transmission parameters in the range estimated from the field data and in many cases at all values within 95% confidence intervals around this range. The persistence of Map infection in rabbit populations in the absence of external sources of infection suggests that they may act as a reservoir of infection for sympatric livestock. 5. Synthesis and applications. Our findings, in combination with the ubiquitous distribution of rabbits in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, suggests that if Map becomes established in rabbit populations they are likely to provide widespread and persistent environmental distributions of infection and thus disease risk to livestock and potentially humans. Where local rabbit populations are infected they should be included in any future paratuberculosis control strategies. Because eradication of rabbits is often not a realistic option, control strategies should include reducing interspecific transmission risk from rabbits to livestock via the faecal–oral route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum samples from 97 clinically healthy domestic rabbits were tested for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi by an indirect ELISA technique. Fifty (52 per cent) of them were seropositive. The samples were taken as part of a routine health screen or before general anaesthesia at 22 veterinary practices in England, Scotland and Wales, and the veterinary surgeons were asked to complete a questionnaire to provide information concerning the animal's husbandry, diet, vaccination, health status and any preventive medicine routines. None of these factors was found to be associated with the serological status of the rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass for use as silage is widely grown in the UK. However there is little information on the effects of rabbit grazing on crop yield. In a three-year trial, grass was grown in six enclosures following current agronomic procedures and was subjected to grazing by two population densities of rabbits. The annual yield loss at the end of the trial was found to be 1% per rabbit ha[sup-1]. The yield loss per rabbit was calculated to be around 200 kg and the financial loss was calculated as £3.40 per rabbit at 1998 prices (approx. £17 t[sup-1]). This new information provides farmers with a better understanding of the economics of damage caused by rabbits enabling them to make more informed decisions as to whether their rabbit population needs to be managed, or whether their crop needs to be protected by some other means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"This summer, the British and U.S. governments were revealed to have relied on obviously forged documents suggesting that Iraqi agents had purchased uranium ore from Niger. In fact, the phony documents were one of the main reasons they argued that Iraq presented an imminent danger. But Niger's government wanted to make clear that it would never divert ore from its legal contracts. Hama Hamadou, the prime minister, said that his government had never even talked with Iraq, and he called on Tony Blair to produce the 'evidence' that Blair claimed confirmed the sale. At that point, United States Secretary of State dispatched Herman Cohen, a former assistant Secretary of State to Niger's capital, Niamey, to deliver a message to the small country highly dependent on international aid. As interpreted by one unnamed Niger official, Cohen's message, delivered in late July, was 'shut up.' The official added that 'everybody in Niger knows what the consequence of upsetting America or Britain would be.' (London-Sunday Telegraph, August 3)." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Before any new medicine can be administered to humans, or new chemical marketed, some tests using animals such as fish, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, or monkeys are performed in order to satisfy the legal requirements of international regulatory and government agencies. These assess the potential for harmful side effects in humans or species found in the environment and to explore how the compound is processed within the body. The housing conditions and procedures performed (such as dosing of compounds and removal of small blood samples) are designed to minimize any pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm that may be experienced by the animals. These refinements improve animal welfare but can also improve the data quality. Examples of new processes, technologies, or equipment that have been introduced within some UK facilities are shared in this article and provide opportunities to benefit many more animals undergoing testing across the world in the future. During the development of potential new medicines or agrochemicals, an assessment of the safety profile to humans and environmental species is conducted using a range of different in silico and in vitro techniques in conjunction with metabolism and toxicity studies using animals. The required studies are outlined within international regulatory guidelines which acknowledge and support the application of the 3Rs to reduce the number of animals used or to refine the procedures performed when these studies are deemed to be necessary. The continued development of new technologies and adoption of best-practice approaches to laboratory animal housing and study procedures has generated a series of refinements that can be incorporated into animal studies throughout the package. These refinements benefit the welfare of fish, mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, minipigs, and non-human primates (NHPs) whilst maintaining or improving data quality within general toxicology, metabolism, and other studies and can also bring efficiencies to processes that benefit study costs and timings. Examples are shared which cover the following topics: social housing of dogs and NHPs, surgical refinements in the rat bile duct cannulation model for collection of data for metabolism studies, whether fasting is really required prior to clinical pathology sampling, and the use of microsampling for toxicokinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heat-related illness (HRI) can affect all companion animals and is likely to become more common as global temperatures rise. The misconception that HRI is primarily a result of dogs being trapped in hot cars, highlights a lack of awareness of HRI risk factors within the UK companion animal population., Aim: This project aimed to review all species of small animal presentations of HRI to UK veterinary practices participating in the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET), describe the inciting triggers and seasonality of HRI events, and review the clinical grade of canine patients presenting with HRI., Methods: Electronic consultation records were submitted by volunteer veterinary practices across the UK to SAVSNET. Cases were defined as animals presented for consultation with strong evidence of current, or recent heat induced illness during the study period (2013-2018)., Results: The HRI cases included 146 dogs, 16 cats, 8 guinea pigs, 3 rabbits and 1 ferret. Of the 118 HRI cases with a recorded trigger, exercise was the primary trigger for dogs presenting (73.5%); 7 (6.9%) canine HRI events followed vehicular confinement. Environmental HRI was recorded as a trigger for the remaining dogs (19.6%), and for all cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and the ferret. Brachycephalic breeds comprised 21.2% of canine HRI cases, and all rabbits were brachycephalic breeds. Dogs with HRI were presented between April and October, with 42.5% during July, typically the UK's hottest month of the year. Cats with HRI were presented between May and September, with 75.0% during June and July. The smaller companion species-ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs-were presented during the UK's summer months June to August., Conclusion: This study highlights the risk of HRI to all pet animals during the UK's warmer summer months (June to August). The findings support previous claims that exercise is the most common trigger of HRI in dogs, while environmental HRI (a hot ambient temperature) accounted for all HRI events in cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets. Both brachycephalic dogs and rabbits were overrepresented, adding further evidence that owners of these animals should be particularly vigilant for HRI during hot weather., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Mountain hares (Lepus timidus L.) are summer grazers that switch to browse in winter while rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) eat mostly grasses throughout the year. These different feeding strategies may underline seasonal patterns of habitat selection by the two species. In this study the habitat utilization by adult female mountain hares and adult female rabbits was studied by the radio-tracking in a habitat composed of open moorland, upland pasture and young forestry plantation with an abundant ground flora. The selection of feeding habitats by populations of both species was assessed by faecal counts within the same landscape. Despite the common perception that mountain hares in Britain are associated with moorland, open moorland was avoided by the radio-tracked adult female mountain hares relative to its availability. Throughout the year, the radio-tracked hares preferred the forest and pasture habitats relative to availability. Only seven of the 20 hares radio-tracked were ever located on the moorland, which would suggest that the presence of moorland is not a prerequisite for the presence of mountain hares. Radio-tracked adult female rabbits utilized the habitats in proportion of their availability. Counts of faecal pellets indicated that utilization of forestry plantation by both species declined as a spruce forest matures although hare populations persist in mature pine plantations with an abundant ground flora. Mountain hare appear to be more adaptable than rabbits in their use of the habitats in this study, a behavioral tactic underpinned by their flexible feeding strategy. Rabbit populations would persist in areas following afforestation, especially where upland pastures are in close proximity to woodland and mountain hares would be capable of exploiting many of the new habitats that are created, at least in the early years of forest development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sites of previous vegetation quadrats were revisited and reanalysed. There was a trend from characteristic Breckland communities with an abundance of lichens, winter annuals and cushion-forming mosses towards rank grassland. A survey of Breckland grass heaths showed that the characteristic plant communities were found on rabbit-grazed but not sheep-grazed sites. Sites which had been rotovated had shorter grass, a higher abundance of lichens and annual plants, less organic matter and greater rabbit activity than control plots. Encouraging rabbits and disturbing the soil are essential to maintain these heaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an analysis of the population changes in Acidiphilous Grass-heath in Breckland, Great Britain,during 1936 to 1957. According to the author, the Acidiphilious Grass-heath are grasslands in Breckland wherein certain species of rabbits are invading. A quantitative data reports that the decrease in plant populations in the Acidiphilous Grass-heath grasslands show the systematic problem basing a valid diagnosis of a plant community on the results obtained. The author further explained that structured community with a dominant, and a community without the dominant, where the species appear to react interdependently to each other, represent bases for extreme views on the nature of the plant community.

The article presents the results of an experiment conducted to find out the different effects of excluding rabbits from an acidipihilous grassland dominated by Fetusca ovina located in Breckland, Great Britain. The author reports that when the rabbit population was nearly exterminated in 1941, intensive grazing of the different species stopped. A few of them returned, but they were wiped out in 1954 due to myxomatosis. In addition, the author pointed out that the presence of two ant heaps, where birds expose bare soil because of their pecking, is a consequential effect of the exclusion of rabbits.

The article presents a study on the changes in the Newborough Warren in Anglesey, Wales after the disappearance of rabbits due to myxomatosis that spread in the country in 1954. The study uses two transects methodology which show the important changes in the composition of a sand dune dry slack turf occurred three years after myxomatosis, citing the great increase in the growth and flowering of most grasses and sedges and a reduction in low growing dicotyledonous herbs. Moreover, it discusses the results on the experimental and other observational studies of the effects of rabbit-grazing on grasslands.

The article presents a quantitative study on the development of the bryophytes in chalk grasslands in South Downs, England after the nearly complete loss of rabbits due to myxomatosis. The study investigates the four Nature Reserves with 100 feet of each permanent transect line viewed from their bryophyte components. A frame embodying ten point contacts and two 20-cm quadrats are the methods used in the study which show no serious discrepancy. It is stated that the investigation detects evidence on the disappearance of bryophytes.

The article presents a study on how the arrival of myxomatosis affects the vegetation in Great Britain. The study uses air photographs of the Natural Reserves which shows changes in various principal transects together with the range of plants and aspects on the chalk where changes of the vegetation occurred. The study expresses the results through the total number of point-quadrats along the transect in which each species, or group of species and the valence of species. The results of the study state that weather had a great influence on the results specifically during spring and autumn.

This article investigates the causes of the lack of natural regeneration in British oakwoods. In October 1914, various oakwoods in Cambridge, England were littered with several well-ripened fruits. However, there were changes in the number of visible acorns during the next few weeks which can be attributed to the removal or concealment of acorns. According to foresters, rabbits eat large quantities of acorns so plots were established to temporarily protected against them. Some experiments were also conducted which showed the value protection against the attacks of animals. It also found that mice are a powerful factor militating against successful regeneration by their consumption of large quantities of the seed. Other animals known to eat acorns are cattle, wild pigs, and squirrels.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions are one of the main causes of mortality for wild mammals and birds in the UK. Here, using a dataset of 54,000+ records collated by a citizen science roadkill recording scheme between 2014-2019, we analyse and present temporal patterns of wildlife roadkill of the 19 most commonly reported taxa in the UK (84% of all reported roadkill). Most taxa (13 out of 19) showed significant and consistent seasonal variations in road mortality and fitted one of two seasonal patterns; bimodal or unimodal: only three species (red fox Vulpes vulpes, European polecat Mustela putorius and Reeves' muntjac deer Muntiacus reevesi) showed no significant seasonality. Species that increase movement in spring and autumn potentially have bimodal patterns in roadkill due to the increase in mate-searching and juvenile dispersal during these respective time periods (e.g. European badger Meles meles). Unimodal patterns likely represent increased mortality due to a single short pulse in activity associated with breeding (e.g. birds) or foraging (e.g. grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis in autumn). Importantly, these patterns also indicate periods of increased risk for drivers, potentially posing a greater threat to human welfare. In addition to behaviour-driven annual patterns, abiotic factors (temperature and rainfall) explained some variance in roadkill. Notably, high rainfall was associated with decreased observations of two bird taxa (gulls and Eurasian magpies Pica pica) and European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus. By quantifying seasonal patterns in roadkill, we highlight a significant anthropogenic impact on wild species, which is important in relation to conservation, animal welfare, and human safety., Competing Interests: Co-author Dr. Rob Thomas is co-director of Eco-explore, a Community Interest Company whose focus is scientific research and communication enterprise. Eco-explore are a co-funder of co-author Amy Schwartz’s PhD research. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Background: The Five Welfare Needs in UK animal welfare legislation underpin a legal duty of care and are an animal welfare assessment framework. Health and welfare problems arise when these needs are unmet. The veterinary professions work with others to address these problems, but there is no publicly funded U.K. companion animal welfare surveillance to identify priorities, or promote and monitor change., Methods: The veterinary charity, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), together with the market research organisation, YouGov, has undertaken a longitudinal nationwide survey, assessing whether the U.K's pet dogs, cats and rabbits are having their Five Welfare Needs met. Data from nationally representative samples of pet-owning adults, drawn from YouGov's online survey panel, have been used to produce the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report annually since 2011., Results: Examples are given of how the PAW Report has been used to monitor trends in animal welfare problems, drive collaborative behaviour change campaigns, create evidence-based funding applications and inspire innovation in veterinary practice., Conclusion: The PAW Report has contributed to closing a gap in national companion animal welfare surveillance. When governments rely on non-governmental organisations to assist with animal welfare surveillance, reliable sources such as the PAW Report can inform research, policy and legislation., (© 2021 The Authors. Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.)