Animals

A WOMAN has been rushed to hospital with a head wound after she was attacked by a vicious seagull.

Lesley Wright, 70, was left with a bleeding scalp that required medical attention after being attacked by the sea bird.

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She was walking to a neighbour’s house in Moray in Scotland when the gull swooped in unprovoked and hit her in the back of the head.

Lesley was left dazed and in pain by the random attack and went to seek medical attention.

The attack resulted in a nasty scar and a bald patch with Lesley now questioning why seagulls are a protected species.

“I felt an almighty whack on the back of my head,” said Lesley.

“I didn’t know it was a seagull at the time – not until I heard it squawking after it had done it.

“Next thing I knew my head was bleeding.

“It wasn’t a big cut, but it was bleeding a lot with it being a head wound.”

The attack occurred near the home of a lash technician, Selina Ho, who Lesley had been on the way to visit.

Lesley, wanted to avoid bleeding in Selina’s home and attempted to call her.

Thankfully, a bystander intervened and knocked on Selina’s door for Lesley.

Selina brought Lesley water, a chair, and some towels to mop up the blood before the pair rushed to Dr. Gray’s Hospital.

Lesley said: “I didn’t want to go into Selina’s house with my head dripping with blood and get blood everywhere, so I tried to phone her to come out.

“At that point, a lady came out of her car to check I was alright, and she went in and got Selina, who came out with water and a towel and a chair to sit down on.

“We sat there until the bleeding stopped, and then Selina looked at it and said I’d better go to hospital to get it seen to, especially with it being a seagull.

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“She drove us to the accident and emergency department, where they glued it together.

“It was quite a small cut, but with a head wound, they bleed a lot.”

Thankfully, the wound did not require stitches – but Lesley was left with a nasty scar and a bald patch, which she says is now growing back.

Lesley said the attack left her uneasy around gulls, she has begun to question why the species is protected.

“If I’m out, and I see seagulls or a chick around, I tend to start looking up in the air to make sure none are coming near me,” she said.

“I’m very wary around seagulls now.

“I’ve seen quite a few incidents where they’ve been eating sandwiches out of people’s hands on the high street, and my husband says they always go for the dog at the top of the street.

“I do wonder why they’re a protected species – they’re not nice to look at, and all you can hear at three or four o’clock in the morning is them squawking.

“People call them flying rats – so why are they protected?”

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Alysha, 27, thought she had a hangover – but i turned out to be a deadly infection from food or animals

A backpacker has told how her post-party hangover turned out to be a deadly infection which kills over 100,000 people every year. Alysha Pyrgotis, 27, was left vomiting and with ‘extreme diarrhoea’ after catching typhoid on the remote Indonesian party island of Gili Trawangan in June this year.

She said: “I was bed bound, in a lot of pain with my muscles and my bones. I was a bit delirious. I couldn’t concentrate at all, that’s when I started to panic. The guy I was travelling with at the time started to realise I was quite poorly, I wasn’t hungover.

“He spoke to the person at the hostel and we had a look online, there weren’t any hospitals or anything. I was on a very small island, there wasn’t really healthcare, it was just really unlucky that I was there at the time.”

A local doctor came out to visit Alysha and tested her blood to find she had typhoid – a bacterial infection which can kill one in five of those infected if they do not get treatment. The backpacker, from Bradford, believes she could have caught the infection from something she ate.

She said: “I thought I was going to die, to be honest. It was that bad, I was literally like ‘this is it’. I was so annoyed as I was so close to the end of my trip. I’d been ill before, but not that ill before. I was really worried about telling my family – I didn’t tell them, actually, because they were having a lot of stress at work at the time. I didn’t tell them until after I’d been poorly.

“I just thought it was not going to end well for me. I was panicking as I knew I had to leave the country soon, I was really, really scared.”

Alysha added: “It was just like my body didn’t want anything inside it, it was trying to get rid of everything. I didn’t eat anything for the whole time I was really ill – probably five or six days. Even water, I would sip water and it would come straight back up. It was a very, very extreme sickness.”

After six days on a drip in a small, cramped medical shack, Alysha received a negative typhoid test and had to get out of the country. She said: “I had to get out of Indonesia because my visa would run out. I’d spent almost my whole time in Indonesia being sick.

“I had to get out, I had a flight to Thailand. They took me off the drip and the next day I had to fly to Bangkok. I still was very sick, the flight was horrific. Even the next few days in Bangkok were very difficult, I couldn’t do anything. The lasting effects of it were still a couple of weeks of not feeling quite right.”

The former social media marketing executive was in the middle of a seven-and-a-half-month trip abroad when she came down with the fever. Following a breakup, Alysha made the spontaneous decision to fly out to south Thailand in December 2024.

She then visited Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines before going to Indonesia. Now, she’s urging anyone who visits these countries to ensure they wash their hands – especially around animals – and watch what they eat.

Alysha said: “I’m not going to say ‘nobody pet the stray animals’, because that’s one of my favourite parts of travelling. I think washing your hands is really important afterwards, because that’s something I really didn’t do.

“I was in the middle of nowhere petting stray animals and then going about my day for hours and hours without access to any water to wash my hands in, I didn’t bring any sanitiser either. I think general handwashing, being careful with what you eat out there.

“A lot of street food you eat isn’t kept in clean conditions, it’s in a hot country on the street. Chicken is sat out for hours and the cleaning utensils are probably not cleaned to the standard you would in the west. I just wasn’t careful where I ordered my food from.

“I was just eating everything that looked good and smelled good at the time – and that’s probably not the wisest thing to do.”

According to the NHS, typhoid fever is spread through unclean food or water. Symptoms include high temperature, headache, coughing, chills, aches, pains, feeling tired, constipation, and a lack of hunger. Those travelling in areas where there’s a risk of catching it are advised by the health agency to get a vaccination against the illness.

Treatment for people who catch it is through antibiotics. Some people who recover from the disease can become carriers who can still spread it for months or even years after.

The NHS says regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water, or using sanitiser gel if they’re unavailable, as well as using bottled or boiled water and eating thoroughly cooked foods can help to prevent catching or spreading the infection. The health agency says to avoid having ice in drinks, or eating raw or lightly cooked meat or seafood and unwashed salad.

Dairy products made from unpasteurised milk and food that has been left uncovered can also pose a risk. Typhoid vaccines are recommended for anyone age over one year old when travelling to an area where there is a high risk of catching typhoid.

Travellers should try to see a GP six to eight weeks before travelling. The vaccine lasts for three years and comes as an injection or tablets.

A couple were left baffled by how some Spanish locals behave when it comes to taking their dogs for a walk and the cleaning up process – and they were very vocal about their displeasure

The last thing on your mind when taking the dog out for a walk is probably where your pet will urinate. It’s generally accepted that dogs just do their business, and there’s no need to clean up after them, regardless of where they choose to relieve themselves when it comes to a number one. However, one couple had a completely different experience when visiting Spain, receiving a culture shock as locals “yelled” at them for not being more considerate.

TikTok users Lance and Dua, who post under the handle @theldworld, revealed it was “only in Spain” they’d encountered this, not in America or Iceland, where they’re originally from.

Dua explained they were told they needed to “wash Rudi’s [their dog’s] pee with a water bottle”.

Lance then showed what they’d been instructed to do by a local, demonstrating the urine had to be entirely covered and washed away using bottled water.

Dua said they “have been yelled at by locals” multiple times for not cleaning up after their dog.

She recounted how one man even “made a scene” when there were many people around. She tried to explain to him that she didn’t “have water” to wash away the pee, asking him: “What am I supposed to do?”

Lance admitted he’d been “yelled at every time” by disgruntled locals. He was even caught out by a woman on a balcony who decided to give her two cents about what he was doing.

During the footage, Lance also raged that someone had their pooch off the lead without carrying a water bottle.

They were bewildered the regulation wasn’t enforced across the board, yet they’d faced criticism over it.

Lance claimed he was being “dead serious” when he insisted he was the “only one getting yelled at” for the conduct.

Nevertheless, it appears the duo escaped relatively unscathed, as certain regions in Spain demand dog owners don’t simply rinse away their pet’s wee with water, but use a disinfectant solution.

The Local Police in Seville were even granted powers to penalise pet owners who weren’t carrying disinfectant solution and fine those who fail to wash away their dog’s waste, according to Paws Patas.

This comes as Spain attempts to maintain the streets as spotless as possible, and clear of canine messes, including urine, as during sweltering weather, it can become intolerably pungent.

In the TikTok clip, someone moaned the pair appeared to be “complaining about cleaning up” after their hound.

Someone fumed: “It is the law now in many parts of Spain & you can be fined €€€ for not doing it. Locals are yelling at you because you are clearly foreigners. The fact that this has happened to you multiple times & you still forget the water bottle is disrespectful. As a fellow immigrant, please do better.”

Another person chimed in: “Starting spring 2026, Barcelona will enforce a new regulation requiring dog owners to clean their pet’s urine from streets using water or a disinfectant solution (like soap or vinegar). This is part of the upcoming reform of the city’s Civility Ordinance.

“Although the measure was approved by the city’s government commission in mid-2025, it is not yet in effect. Final approval is expected in November 2025, followed by official enforcement a few months later. Dog owners who fail to comply may face fines of up to €300.”

However, others rallied behind the couple, stating that “kindness is free,” and they shouldn’t have been “yelled” at when being informed about the rules.

A TERRIFYING giant wasp spider that can camouflage itself has been discovered in the UK.

The rare spider with a wasp-like body has been found in a garden in Norfolk – and they’re slowly spreading across the nation.

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The creepy crawly was spotted by Craig Calvin and his two children, Ralph and Hugo, in their garden last week.

The wasp spider cunningly disguises itself as its namesake and is easily recognisable due to its striped abdomen and legs.

With its vivid black and yellow stripes and dramatic zigzag web, it’s been dubbed the “great mimic” by the Wildlife Trust.

The species was once a rarity in the UK but now they’re being spotted more frequently across the country.

Mr Calvin said: “I’d never seen one before – it’s quite large and looks completely out of place on the Norfolk Broads.

“It’s such a beautiful creature. A perfect example of how wildlife is changing right on our doorsteps.”

One of the biggest in Britain

Although it has the external characteristics of one, the spider is simply a mimic of a wasp.

It’s the female spiders who have the yellow, black and white stripes just like the common wasp and it’s legs are stripy too.

The males are smaller and pale brown.

They build their webs in grassland and heathland and attach their silk egg-sacs to the grasses.

Wasp spiders are completely harmless to humans and are a fascinating addition to the UK’s biodiversity.

They are originally native to southern Europe and can be found in southern England but they’re slowly spreading northwards too.

The wasp spider measures as one of the six biggest spider species in Britain.

Spider season approaches

Spider season occurs from August to October, with wetter conditions often enticing them into homes, the Royal Meteorological Society reports.

Among its spider prevention tips are keeping windows shut at night. clearing any clutter that they may like to hide in and vacuuming regularly.

The website also praised cats and dogs as great helpers in terminating the critters.

And B&Q has the perfect solution to keep your house creepy crawly free for just £7.99.

Beyond getting rid of spiders, the spray also helps to prevent the build-up of cobwebs.

You can also keep spiders out the house by using a simple kitchen staple.

Earlier this year, The Sun revealed that white vinegar can often do the job.

Peppermint oil is also a great way to keep critters out.

Keep pests out all summer

IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here’s what you need to know.

Hornets and wasps – hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.

Moths – acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.

Flying ants – herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.

Mosquitoes – plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.

IT’S been hailed a ‘game-changer’ when it comes to getting to sleep on hot nights.

But would you sleep on a gel pillow designed to keep your dog or cat cool in a heatwave?

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Pet cooling mats can be found at many high street stores in the UK, and whilst they are designed for animals, some people have been buying the gadgets for themselves – or nicking them from their four-legged friends.

Commenting on a TikTok video calling for people to share their ‘unhinged tips on how to stay cool’ during hot spells, one social media user wrote: “Borrowed by cat’s gel cooling mat as she’s uninterested in it and it’s a lifesaver.”

With temperatures set to hit the mid-30s in parts of the UK this week, I’m happy to give anything a go in a bid to stave off the extreme heat and get some kip.

There are lots available to buy including a Sunny Daze Cooling Dog Mat for just £5 at petsathome.com, or a slightly larger and more plush Weashume Dog Cool Gel Pad for £10.99 on amazon.

I opt for one from Chillmax costing just under £6 on Amazon, which has dozens of five-star reviews online.

When it arrives it doesn’t look much. It’s a simple blue mat filled with cooling gel.

But manufacturers claim it absorbs excess heat and dissipates it away for up to three hours, giving your skin a lovely cool feeling.

There’s no water so no refilling is necessary.

You simply pop it in the fridge and get it out when your pet needs a rest so they can lay on it and cool down.

I popped it in the fridge during the day, then laid it over my sheet when it was time for bed.

It was pretty hard to lay my entire body weight down on it as it felt icy cold. I really had to grit my teeth.

I laid on it feeling pretty uncomfortable, but after around five minutes, the initial discomfort eased, my body adjusted to the cold and I drifted off to sleep pretty quickly.

This was quite an achievement as I’ve been really tossing and turning of late due to the frequent spells of hot weather.

In fact, I think I fell asleep at least 45 minutes faster than I had on previous hot nights. It was actually quite calming too and refreshing.

The coolness wears off after a few hours and though it was soft enough to lay on, I woke up feeling a little uncomfortable.

But I just pulled it out from under me and tossed it on the floor.

The next night I tried putting it on top of my pillow case but I found the cold felt too extreme against my face.

It was a little better inside the pillow case, but still I preferred it near my body.

This funny little pet pillow has become a must-have in my bedroom now for hot nights.

Even better as it’s so small, you can easily take it away with you if you need to. No need to lug a big fan around instead.

You can also wipe it clean, making it a good gel option as most are built into the pillow and can’t be washed.

You can sit on it whilst working if you want to, though I did not find this comfortable.

But I didn’t mind using it as a foot rest on hot working days and it can also be used as a laptop cooling pad.

My kids kept stealing it saying it kept them cool so I guess I might be buying more to keep us all as cool as cucumbers.

Others have said similar pet mats are not only helpful in the heatwave but hot flushes, too.

One Amazon reviewer said it was brilliant for menopausal women, especially for the price.

You can spend £20 to £30 on a pet cooling pillow, but most of us won’t want to pay that much when the heatwave doesn’t last long in the UK.

Similar products designed for humans also tend to be more pricey.

This is wallet-friendly and effective. For less than £6 this is a real bargain. If it’s good enough for Fido, it’s good enough me.

No more sweaty nights here.

Aug. 9 (UPI) — North and South Korea have begun removing some loudspeakers that were used to broadcast propaganda across the demilitarized zone at the 38th parallel.

The South Korean military on Saturday reported North Korea‘s removal of some of the loudspeakers, but it’s unknown if all of them will be taken away, the BBC reported.

The South Korean military “detected North Korean troops dismantling propaganda loudspeakers in some parts along the front line,” its leaders said in a prepared statement on Saturday.

“It remains to be confirmed whether the devices have been removed across all regions,” the statement said, adding that the South Korean military will continue monitoring the situation.

The BBC’s report suggested removing some of the loudspeakers might be North Korea’s way of responding positively to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s recent election win.

Lee became president in June and had campaigned on a platform that included improving relations with North Korea.

South Korea stopped broadcasting its own propaganda over loudspeakers positioned at the 38th parallel after Lee took office and earlier this week dismantled its loudspeakers.

South Korea often broadcast content that included news and K-pop music, but those broadcasts ended in June, and its military began removing its loudspeakers on Monday.

North Korea’s loudspeakers often aired annoying sounds, including the howling of wild animals.

North Korea has not confirmed its troops removed some of the loudspeakers at the demilitarized zone separating the two nations, The Independent reported.

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un seeks to eliminate the influence of South Korean culture, including language and pop music, to help preserve his standing as the nation’s supreme leader, according to The Independent.

South Korea had ceased its broadcasts at the 38th parallel for several years, but former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration resumed the broadcasts in June 2024.

Those broadcasts ended after Lee became president.

The Channel 4 panel show returned this evening with comedians Kevin Bridges and Alex Brooker back as team captains.

The 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown set experienced a blackout thanks to one of its celebrity contestants.

Presenter Jimmy Carr returned for the latest Channel 4 episode of the fan-favourite mash-up show, along with Susie Dent and Rachel Riley overseeing proceedings.

This time around, comedians Kevin Bridges and Alex Brooker were appointed the team captains, working with their team mates Judi Love and Joe Wilkinson respectively.

As always, the guests are invited to bring in a mascot to sit by their desks throughout the show with some bizarre choices made over the years.

When Carr questioned what Wilkinson had brought along with him, he pointed to the urn sitting on his desk, stating it was his former electrician’s ashes.

Carr asked him to repeat what he brought, and so Wilkinson stated again what they were before blankly staring at the host. Wilkinson went on to explain that his electrician’s dream was to have his ashes scattered into the show’s fuse box.

So the comedian grabbed the urn, went to the corner of the studio and bowed down to the fuse box twice in memory of his deceased electrician and chucked the ashes onto the system.

Unsurprisingly, this didn’t go well as sparks began to fly and the studio was plunged into darkness.

More sparks then came from the iconic clock itself with Love exclaiming: “My weave!”

Thankfully, this didn’t last long as the power quickly started working again with the audience laughing and applauding.

Along with the rest of the stars, a special guest was also brought to join Susie in Dictionary Corner.

She sat alongside actor and comedian Peter Serafinowicz who reprised his unforgettable alter ego Brian Butterfield especially for the panel series.

8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is available to watch on Channel 4 and All4.

Aug. 6 (UPI) — A federal judge in Florida on Wednesday heard arguments from two groups seeking an injunction to halt the operation and further construction of an immigration detention center in the Everglades called “Alligator Alcrataz.”

District Judge Kathleen Williams conducted a hearing in Miami on a lawsuit by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe, claiming the state and federal government bypassed mandatory ecological reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act during construction.

They also said the detention facility, which now houses 1,000 detainees with plans for up to 5,000, was built in less than two weeks without public notice or comment, and didn’t comply with other statutes, including the Endangered Species Act.

The detention center, which is about 75 miles west of Miami and 44 miles southwest of Naple, is amid swampland that includes alligators, pythons, snakes and other predators.

Randy Kautz, an expert in Florida wildlife, said 120 to 230 endangered panthers are in the “core area” and increased human activity will harm reproduction.

“There has been a stable reproducing population of panthers in this area in this range at least over the last 30 years,” he said in court. “Panthers have succeeded and resided here.”

Panthers were tracked in the 1,000 acres near the detention facility, which was built on a rarely used airstrip off U.S. 41 in Ochopee in Miami-Dade County near Collier County. The so-called Alligator Alley, which is part of Interstate 75, runs 80 miles across the state through the Everglades.

Attorneys say the work is exempt from the National Environmental Policy Act because it was initially funded, constructed and managed by the state. But Florida state Rep. Anna Eskamani testified the Department of Homeland Security wants the facility.

More than 40,000 people opposed the detention center in a petition on the website of the Friends of the Everglades, a nonprofit, which is one of the parties in the lawsuit.

“We are very concerned about potential impacts of runoff” and “large, new industrial-style lights that are visible from 15 miles away, even though having a dark sky designation,” Eve Samples, the executive director of the group, told the court.

“Driving out there myself many times, the increased traffic is visible. I saw two dead gators last time I visited, so definitely a difference in the area.”

The detention facility neighbors land leased to the Miccosukee Indian Tribe with villages, a school, hunting areas and sacred sites.

Civil rights groups filed a second lawsuit alleging that detainees’ constitutional rights are being violated. A hearing in that case is scheduled for Aug. 18.

WTVJ-TV reported limited access to showers, spoiled food, extreme heat and mosquitoes. They also allege they are being barred from meeting lawyers with some held without any charges.

President Donald Trump toured the facility on July 1 with Gov. Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretry Kristi Noem before the opening two days later.

The first deportation flights departed from the airstrip on July 25.

Legislators in Congress and the state, who initially were denied access, were allowed to visit on July 12 but couldn’t speak to the detainees and access to the property was limited.

“Rural immigrant detention camps — 750 people in cages like animals — is un-American, and it should be shut down,” state Sen. Carlo Guillermo Smith said.

State and federal officials defend the conditions.

“All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers,” Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told NBC News last month. “Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority.”

DeSantis has said the airport site, called the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Facility, won’t have any effect on the surrounding environment.

DeSantis and Noem have touted the location because it is in a relatively remote area and surrounded by swampland.

DeSantis utilized an emergency order in 2023 in response to Cuban and Haitian migrants arriving in the Florida Keys by boat, with the state offering to pay $20 million for the land.

Florida will seek reimbursement from the federal government for the $450 million yearly cost of running the facility, a senior Department of Homeland Security official told the Miami Herald.

County officials approve the use of the airstrip for immigrants.

The airstrip was envisioned to become an airport with construction to begin in 1968. Work was halted in 1970 because of environmental concerns, but not before one runway was finished. The runway was used for training flights.

The land later became Big Cyprus National Preserve, which encompasses 1,139 square miles. The preserve is north of Everglades National Park, which covers 2,356 square miles.

Aug. 4 (UPI) — The federal government is approving more than $100 million in federal grant money for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for wetland conservations efforts in more than a half-million acres of critical migratory bird habitats.

The U.S. Department of Interior said Monday its Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved $102.9 million in federal funding for the wildlife service and its partners to “conserve, restore or enhance” some 548,242 acres of key wetlands and its associated upland habitats across North America for migratory birds.

In addition, more than $201 million in matching funds will be granted by Fish and Wildlife partners.

According to the department, the financial infusion for wetland preservation came as part of the 1989 North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement that NAWCA has “fostered partnerships and an investment in wetland conservation that yield both ecological and economic returns for local communities and a broad range of industries,” which he said includes tourism, commercial fisheries, and the forestry and agriculture industries.

Burgum, who sits as chair of the migratory bird commission, said the federal grants will “increase and maintain healthy bird populations and wetland habitat” while “supporting local economies and improving public access to recreational activities for American traditions” such as hunting, fishing and birdwatching.

Interior said NAWCA is the only federal grant program targeted for the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory bird species.

More than $7.1 billion in federal funding since 1991 has advanced the conservation of wetland habitats in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, according to DOI.

It added that more than 7,100 partners from private landowners to state, tribal and local governments, conservation groups, sportsmen’s clubs, land trusts and corporate entities had taken part in more than 3,400 federal projects.

On Sunday, a noted Marine biologist and conservationist said on social media that U.S. wetlands “are disappearing at a staggering rate” and pointed out that its restoration “can take centuries” to fix.

“This hits your safety, your health, your wallet — your future,” Dr. Tom Montgomery posted on X.

Montgomery noted that among 170 nations represented at the recent global summit on the wetland crisis in Zimbabwe that there were “two empty seats labeled ‘USA,'” he wrote.

A 2023 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court significantly curtailed the regulatory power of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate and protect water in wetlands under the Clean Water Act of 1972.

Yet DOI officials say the commission has aided in the conservation of “much of” America’s “most important” waterfowl habitats, saying the NAWCA legislation signed by then-President George H.W. Bush is one of the “most effective tools” the federal government has at its disposal for migratory bird conservation.

“NAWCA funding supports projects that enhance or establish areas for hunting and birdwatching, uplifting local economies and improving public access to recreational activities for future generations,” stated Justin “J” Shirley, principal deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Similar efforts by the prior Biden administration at wetland preservation included over $46 million last year in September to restore some 91,425 acres of wetland habitat in 17 states for waterfowl, shorebirds and other species. It came with nearly $100 million in partner matching funds.

In 2023 the year before a total of $50.9 million in NAWCA grants was matched by over $73 million in private partner grants.

KATIE Price has revealed a pet tragedy after her cat gave birth to “so many” kittens.

The former glamour model, 46, is proud owner of Sphynx cat Doris, and previously made a witty social media post about how their figures were the same.

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Katie welcomed three of the bald cats into her home back in October – despite being blasted by animal charities for doing so.

On her Snapchat page on Friday, the mum of five told how Doris had given birth, and has now revealed she’s swerved a holiday to the Isle of Wight to look after the new litter.

Yet instead of kicking back and relaxing, she is keeping her house cosy with electric blankets and regular feeding patterns for the new arivals.

In a video which showed her in a cream jumper and her dark hair in a straight style, she added the caption “sad news” and four emotional Emoji icons.

In the clip, Katie told her followers there had been a death and said: “An update on the kittens, one unfortunately died.

“That’s the one wrapped in tissue, two hours after we fed it.

“Luckily I’m trying to help the kittens latch on to the mum, two are just about doing it but I’m having to put them on it, because they are so premature.

“As you can see how knackered I am, every two and a half hours through the day and through the night I’m feeding them for the mum.

“She’s a good mum, and then she keeps bringing one to the bed with her, she did that earlier, I think that was a sign to come and look in the box as one had died.”

Katie added: “But that’s good because she trusts us and loves us so thats good.

“So I’ve got two latching on to her now, so thats the update.”

She then panned the camera to new parent Doris, sitting on her bed, as she cooed: “Hey Doris good girl.”

CHARITY BACKLASH

Katie forked out for Doris and two other cats last year.

She showed her affections for the trio, even pushing them around in a pram.

Yet, at the time, she could not escape backlash from charity PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

They called for the need for an injunction to be put in place, stopping Katie from owning pets completely.

They had previously offered Katie £5,000 to stop buying pets, which she had not responded to. 

PETA UK founder Ingrid Newkirk told The Sun: “If there was a way to file an injunction to stop this serial animal killer, PETA would do so, as this woman doesn’t care about the lives she wastes or listen to vital advice and is still treating live animals like stuffed toys: as disposable.

“If William Hill took totally tasteless bets, the odds would favour those betting on how little time this kitten has on Earth, given the hideous track record of animal deaths in Price’s custody. No one could call it ‘care’.”

The new additions to the family came just a few months after she revealed she had to put down her last “designer” cat, Frog, after being diagnosed with a neurological disease.

She had bought Frog in February for £1,200, naming him in a sweet tribute to her son, Harvey, who loves frogs, but came under fire months later when she shared a video of the pet wrestling with a dog.

Katie had eight pets die in just six years – including four dogs and a horse all getting hit by cars. 

She has also given away pets, including an out-of-control Alsatian called Bear for attacking other animals.

At the beginning of 2024, Katie gave away a puppy called Tank because he ‘no longer looked cute on Instagram’.

She also currently has a pet pug, named Captain, and avidly looks after horses.

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While capturing that perfect selfie while on vacation can be exhilarating, there’s one type of selfie that could land you in trouble — especially in a national park or nature reserve.

With summer in full swing across most parts of the world, millions of people are making travel plans to make the most of the sunshine. These days, national parks and nature reserves are emerging as a popular choice for wholesome getaways, providing holidaymakers a chance to immerse themselves in their surroundings and get up close and personal with the great outdoors.

While on holiday, people naturally tend to click pictures in order to preserve a special moment in time and even though capturing that perfect selfie on vacation can be exhilarating, there’s one type of selfie that could land you in trouble. It comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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Why a popular travel selfie could see you barred from a nature reserve

Taking the perfect selfie with wild animals might seem like a harmless holiday highlight — but experts are warning that it could lead to grave consequences. According to travel expert Naturetrek, snapping certain pictures in protected areas could disturb wildlife, violate conservation regulations, and even result in a permanent ban from reserves.

The selfie trend that’s raising eyebrows

Tourists in the UK and overseas are increasingly chasing “up-close” wildlife photos — particularly with seals, nesting birds, or rare species in national parks. Some even cross clearly marked boundaries or stray from designated paths to achieve that perfect shot.

But whilst the results might appear spectacular on Instagram, the effect on wildlife can be catastrophic. Naturetrek explains that constant human interference in delicate habitats can disrupt breeding, force animals to desert their offspring, and result in prolonged environmental distress.

A Naturetrek spokesperson shares: “One of the worst offenders we’ve seen is people trying to take selfies with seal pups or nesting seabirds. It only takes a few seconds of disturbance to frighten adult animals away – and that can have lasting consequences.”

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What the regulations state

Nature reserves across the UK and throughout Europe maintain stringent guidelines for public conduct – particularly during mating or breeding periods. These encompass remaining behind barriers, keeping noise levels down, and never feeding or getting close to wildlife.

Violating these regulations can result in immediate fines, ejection from the site, or prohibition from returning. Certain locations now additionally supervise visitors via drone surveillance or ranger monitoring. Perpetrators have been captured on film climbing fences or crouching beside animals to secure a “wildlife close-up”.

According to Naturetrek: “It’s not just about physical harm – even the sound of a phone shutter or a quick movement from a selfie stick can spook some species.”

Alternative options that are safe

Wildlife snappers and experienced tour guides suggest admiring animals from afar – utilising binoculars or long lenses for superior snaps. Numerous reserves provide guided strolls or hides, where guests can safely watch and photograph animals without danger. “If you want great wildlife photos, patience is key,” advises Naturetrek. “The best shots are often taken quietly, with respect, and without disturbing the natural behaviour of the animals.”

Respect nature, safeguard the experience

Naturetrek cautions that if current trends persist, more reserves may be compelled to limit access, tighten restrictions, or close certain areas entirely during peak seasons. The travel expert says: “We understand the desire to capture the moment – but if that moment harms nature, it’s not worth it. Our wild spaces need protection, and that means putting the camera down when needed.”

So, the next time you’re on a hike, boat trip, or coastal tour, think twice before you edge in for a selfie. Respect the distance, heed local advice, and savour the encounter without intrusion. You’ll protect wildlife – and your access to these stunning locations – for years to come.

Naturetrek adds: “At the heart of every memorable wildlife experience is respect. By choosing not to disturb, you become part of the solution — helping to preserve nature’s wonders for generations to come.”

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OZZY Osbourne has been buried near bat boxes – and it feels “like Ozzy had the last laugh”, a family friend said.

The Black Sabbath legend, who died on July 22 at the age of 76, was laid to rest next to the lake in his Buckinghamshire home on Thursday.

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A family friend told the Mirror: “This was like a classic Ozzy move. The man loved humour and this sure would have tickled him pink knowing how close friends reacted to this bat situation.

“After all those decades caught up in this drama around bats and animal rights groups, here at his final resting place there are bespoke bat boxes to help encourage the animals thrive in the UK countryside.

“It has prompted quite a few laughs and funny ­reactions. It is just like Ozzy had the last laugh.”

They added that the bat boxes – installed in trees by the lake a few years ago – have brought moments of laughter to the grieving family.

One of the most controversial moments of the heavy metal singer’s career came in January 1982, when he famously bit the head off a bat on stage.

Something small and black landed near him on stage during a show at Des Moines’ Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Believing it was a rubber toy, Ozzy picked it up and bit into it.

In his 2010 autobiography I Am Ozzy, he wrote: “Somebody threw a bat. I just thought it was a rubber bat. And I picked it up and put it in my mouth. I bit into it.

“Immediately, though, something felt wrong. Very wrong,” he added.

Ozzy said he deeply regretted the incident as he had to have daily rabies shots for months.

It remains unclear whether the bat was alive or dead – in a 2006 interview with the BBC, Ozzy described it as a “dead real bat”.

Buckinghamshire – home to many brown long-eared and pipistrelle bats – has recently taken steps to improve bat conservation.

On Thursday, an “incredibly emotional” funeral service was held for the rocker, a family friend told The Sun.

Tents were erected on the 250-acre grounds of the house Ozzy and Sharon bought in 1993, along with a stage where tributes were paid to the rocker.

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The home was decorated with pictures of Ozzy, and mourners were given a photograph of him to take home.

110 of the singer’s nearest and dearest attended, joining his wife Sharon and his children Jack, 39, Kelly, 40, Aimee, 41, and Louis, 50, his son from his first marriage to Thelma Riley.

Stars at the service included Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates, Metallica’s James Hetfield, punk singer Yungblud and Sir Elton John.

Rock icon Marilyn Manson flew in from the US to attend, alongside Ozzy’s guitarist Zakk Wylde and Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor.

The family friend said: “Everyone at the service just wanted to support Sharon and the kids, it has been an awful time.

“Toasts were raised, memories were shared – it was a very fitting goodbye.

“Ozzy wanted his final place of rest to be at home and he is buried at a beautiful point on the lake.

“As well as the ‘Ozzy f***ing Osbourne’ wreath, which made people smile, there was another floral tribute which spelt out ‘Ozzy’ that was placed by the fountain on the lake.

“There was a stage where people including Yungblud, who grew very close to Ozzy in recent years, were set to pay tribute to him.

“The day was incredibly emotional. Pictures of Ozzy were dotted throughout the house and a photograph of him was given to everyone who attended to take home with them.”

Guests were sent a simple black invitation featuring a cross and the words: “In loving memory of Ozzy Osbourne.”

The road leading to the couple’s Buckinghamshire home near Gerrards Cross was closed from 1pm.

Mourners were transported from The Crowne Plaza and The Bull in Gerrards Cross to the house at 2pm, with the service starting at 3pm.

The day before, thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Birmingham to pay tribute to Ozzy.

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July 28 (UPI) — A man was hospitalized in Canada’s western province of British Columbia following a bear attack over the weekend, officials said.

The man had sustained “significant injuries” and underwent surgery at a hospital in Cranbrook, a city located about 523 miles east of Vancouver, the province’s Conservation Officer Service said in a statement Sunday.

According to officials, the man and his wife were riding e-bikes along the Kootenay River near West Creston when, at about 4:30 p.m. PDT Saturday, the wife heard her husband scream and saw a grizzly bear running toward her.

“She used bear spray and then noticed a second grizzly bear attacking her husband. She again used bear spray and both bears ran off,” it said.

Emergency crews were then called to the scene, and the man was transported to the hospital.

Though both COS personnel and Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers swept the area, no bears were located, it said.

“Three major trails in the area were closed off and signage installed. Traps were se last night. No bears were captured overnight,” it added.

July 18 (UPI) — A federal judge overturned the approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of a mixed-use project in Chico, Calif., after environmentalists claimed it will destroy the natural habitat of threatened species.

At issue was the Stonegate Development Project, a 314-acre development. It was to include 423 single-family residential lots, 13.4 acres of multi-family residential land uses, 36.6 acres of commercial land uses, 5.4 acres of storm water facilities, 3.5 acres of park and a 137-acre, open-space preserve, the ruling said.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Calabretta gave summary judgment requested by the Center for Biological Diversity and AquAlliance and halted implementation of the project until the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prepares a legally adequate biological opinion that the development wouldn’t jeopardize protected species.

Calabretta, a President Joe Biden appointee, wrote that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Biological Opinion for the project in early 2020. That opinion “acknowledged there would be harm to some ESA-listed species, but that the project would not jeopardize the continued survival and recovery of the listed fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp and meadowfoam.” It also did not analyze impacts on the giant garter snake, he added.

“The court finds that federal defendants’ failure to consider potential effects on the ESA-listed giant garter snake was based on a faulty assumption that there have been no sightings of the snake within five miles of the project renders its Biological Opinion arbitrary and capricious,” Calabretta said.

According to the conservation groups, the project also would permanently destroy 9.14 acres of wetlands. But some meadowfoam habitat may be established through mitigation efforts.

The Butte County meadowfoam is found nowhere in the world but Butte County, Calif., the Center for Biological Diversity said. The species has only 21 distinct populations remaining, and the project would destroy one population and further encroach on two others.

According to the fish and wildlife service, the giant garter snake is one of the largest garter snakes, reaching 63.7 inches long. It has been listed as threatened since 1993 and now only exists in three counties in California. Only about 5% of its historical wetland habitat remains.

Vernal pool fairy shrimp are restricted to vernal pools found in California and southern Oregon. They are found in 32 counties across California’s Central Valley, central coast and southern California and in Jackson County in southern Oregon, the service said.

Woolacombe in North Devon is a popular holiday destination for tourists, who flock to the sandy beach in the summer time. But locals say it’s a different story in the winter.

Woolacombe, located off the A316 in North Devon, isn’t the most straightforward destination to reach. It requires careful navigation along narrow, winding country lanes bordered by towering hedges, where oncoming traffic can prove challenging.

However, the journey is absolutely worthwhile. The initial panorama that greets you is merely the beginning of this magical experience. The view is simply stunning and stands apart from any other location.

Multiple car parks sit at the village’s base, with the two most popular ones charging £12 per day. Whilst this may appear costly, they’re positioned directly beside the shoreline, reports Devon Live.

One pair, Ben and Teagan, currently on holiday in North Devon, believe Woolacombe offers everything visitors could want.

“Everything you need is just down the road. Once you’ve parked, you don’t need to leave all day. It’s very small roads to get here, I can imagine it can be an issue because of all the traffic,” said Ben.

The shoreline and surrounding territory at Woolacombe initially belonged to the Chichester family in 1133. Stanley Parkin subsequently acquired Woolacombe alongside its neighbouring village Mortehoe.

His son, Ray Parkin, a village native, assumed the chairman role in 1995 and advanced the Parkin Estates company until his death in 2021.

Today, substantial investment, both financially and in terms of effort, ensures Woolacombe remains remarkably pristine with thoughtfully designed amenities. The beach, the first in North Devon to be awarded the European Blue Flag, has now been recognised by The Times as one of the UK’s top beaches.

Lynn and Karl, who travelled from Stafford, commented: “It’s just a beautiful beach, you have to travel a long way to find a beach like this.”

John, a tourist from Berkshire, shared: “This is my first visit, we’re staying in North Devon in Ilfracombe. It’s a beautiful beach, the north coast is a bit grey on sand, it’s nice to see some gold.”

The beach is divided into two sections, one permitting dogs and the other not. Parkin Estates are making excellent use of the three-mile stretch of beach.

“I love how one side of the beach doesn’t allow dogs, there’s so much space so it makes sense to do that,” remarked one holidaymaker.

“There’s so much room on the beach and so there’s space to sit. It’s not overwhelming,” added Teagan.

Woolacombe boasts a variety of amenities including pubs, restaurants and cafes, and plenty of activities such as mini golf. There are also surf hire facilities and very ‘tourist style’ shops reminiscent of those found in Europe. The single road running through the village contributes to its European vibe.

During summer months, Woolacombe gives you that Spanish beach resort sensation, yet when winter arrives, the place becomes remarkably tranquil. Will, an Ilfracombe resident employed at Steve’s Surf Hire on the seafront, explained that rainy weather leaves visitors with virtually no activities.

“It’s not nice when it’s raining, no-one comes down except dog walkers who come and have a look but then they just go,” said Will.

Louise, his colleague at the same establishment, shared this view but noted that residents take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere.

“In the winter, it’s a ghost town, the majority of pubs shut in the winter too. It’s quiet because it’s a seaside town. There’s just shops, which are closed in the winter,” she said.

“Locals make use of that, to come in the winter because there’s nobody here.”

A brief stroll from the shoreline leads to a family-run eatery called The Captain’s Table. The venue has built its reputation on hearty breakfasts whilst offering an array of seafood-based lunches and evening meals.

Patrons can also order sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and jacket potatoes, all sourced locally in Devon.

General Manager Nigel expressed his delight in welcoming both tourists and residents to the establishment, highlighting how they witness entire family lineages returning year after year.

“We have new customers but also regulars. We get some that only come here for two weeks of the year, but we know them and we quite often know what they’ll be having,” he said.

“We see generations of people coming in. We have grandparents whose parents brought them, they bring their children, who bring their children.”

Woolacombe beach boasts an excellent reputation for surfing, and its reef break delivers some fantastic waves, catering to both experienced and novice surfers.

The beach features numerous surf schools and may have inspired the name of The Surf Takeaway, a mobile food outlet positioned directly on the beach.

Paul and Teddy, who launched their business within the past year, commend the beach for its pristine condition and express their desire to serve some of Devon’s finest produce.

“Parkin Estates keep [the beach] immaculate, it’s clean, they look after it which is a big commitment,” Teddy said. “People come to Devon because they want a pasty, we have links with local suppliers and we choose the best pasties, they might not be as cheap, but it’s what we prefer.”

A holiday in Woolacombe is enchanting, though several tourists expressed concern about one particular issue.

One tourist remarked: “There are seagulls everywhere, they have the tendency to steal food.

Another, Maisie, said: “I hate them I do, it literally landed on a kid’s head to get his food. I heard someone shouting that their finger was bitten by a seagull!

Tourists can hire one of 70 beach huts along the shoreline. Parkin Estates construct a sandbank during the summer months at the rear of the beach where the huts are located. There’s a five per cent reduction available for those booking more than seven days, which includes two deckchairs, two patio chairs, a table and windbreak. Their vibrant colours make a striking statement at the rear of the beach.

Local residents and workers in Woolacombe describe it as a wonderful place to call home, praising its beauty and declaring “you can’t get a better place.”

Yet, the surge in tourism at Woolacombe is raising concerns amongst some locals.

Will explained: “Everything is expensive in Woolacombe, people aren’t down for as long as they normally would be. A lot of people are moving out of Woolacombe, rich people move here, live here for a month and then rent their place out to holiday makers.”

Louise added: “People stay for three or four days instead of for the whole week.”

Despite these issues, tourists absolutely love Woolacombe and insist it’s completely worth any minor hassles.

Ellie and Nathan, holidaying from Essex, shared their thoughts: “We’re staying in Ilfracombe and came to Woolacombe for the day. The parking is expensive, but totally worth it,” Nathan remarked.

Ellie chimed in: “It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been, there’s loads of facilities, nice places for lunch.

Their youngsters, Jasper and Sam, were absolutely delighted. Jasper exclaimed: “[The beach] is so big, we had a race, and I won!”

Sam boasted: “We’re going in the sea later, and I’m not even going to wear a wetsuit. “.

After trying to learn to drive for years, Diane Morgan has opened up about whether she would ever get behind the wheel. And she’s admitted she’s slowly giving up.

Diane Morgan admits she has more in common with Mandy Carter, her BBC alter ego.

After rising to fame as the deadpan and charming Philomena Cunk, starring in Motherland as Liz, Diane Morgan has provided BBC2 viewers with plenty of belly laughs as the quirky Mandy.

Though Mandy is loosely inspired from a character of the same name in Sky‘s show Rovers, Diane says that, much like Mandy, she’s experienced plenty of chaos before kicking off her acting career. Diane often draws from personal experience – especially when Mandy’s day jobs go spectacularly wrong.

“A lot of them are inspired by things that have happened to me. I’ve had a number of jobs that I’ve been fired from,” Diane says. “Some I haven’t even lasted an hour in. Acting’s about the only job I’ve lasted more than a week in. So I have to stick with it.”

Even Mandy’s lack of driving skills mirrors Diane’s own. “I haven’t passed my driving test. Although I have done 1000s of hours of lessons. I just don’t think I’m one of nature’s natural drivers,” Diane says. “I’m waiting for self-driving cars to kick in now.”

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Diane, 49, has made no secret of her trouble with driving – she has yet to pass her driver’s license. Back in 2020, she revealed she’d spent a whopping amount of money to pass her test.

“I’ve been learning to drive for about a year now,” she told the iPaper at the time. “Automatic not manual, obviously.” She added: “I’ve spent so much money learning to drive I could have got a private chauffeur by now.”

In 2022, she even took to X to ask her fans for advice, writing: “Serious question: can anyone recommend an intensive residential driving course? (for automatic not manual). It’s for me so they need to be very patient!” But it may be a while until she’s finally behind the wheel.

In the meantime, Mandy’s newest season features more of its gloriously unhinged heroine, Mandy Carter, stumbling through yet another round of ill-fitting jobs and baffling life choices.

“There’s more of the same Mandy madness,” Diane Morgan says. “She’s still being forced to do jobs she doesn’t like and isn’t good at.” It’s a formula that’s struck a bizarre chord with viewers – and unexpectedly sparked lifestyle changes.

“I’ve heard that at least four of them have turned vegetarian after watching an episode of the last series where Mandy gets a job in an abattoir,” Diane says. “So that’s good. Especially for cows.”

Why does Mandy connect so deeply? “I suppose it’s always nice to see someone have a worse time than you and still come through without serious mental health issues of HR getting involved.”

And don’t expect a redemption arc anytime soon. “Nothing would happen if she suddenly could do a job well,” Diane says, “It would just be Mandy sitting at a desk. She’s learned nothing. Just keeps making mistakes, like all of us. That’s what makes her charming.”

Off-screen, Diane channels her values into the show. “We decided to use only cruelty-free make-up products that haven’t been tested on animals,” she says.

“We warned all the actors what we were doing and none of them had a problem with it. Most were amazed that some products aren’t cruelty-free. Some well-known brands still test on animals and people aren’t aware of that.”

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July 7 (UPI) — A woman has lost her arm after being attacked by a lion at Queensland’s Darling Downs Zoo over the weekend officials said.

The unidentified woman was attacked Sunday morning and was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, where she underwent surgery. Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the victim had lost an arm but was “recovering well” at the medical facility.

The zoo said the attack happened at around 8:30 a.m. local time Sunday.

It identified the woman in a statement as “a much-loved member of our family” who was “well-versed in safety protocols around potentially dangerous animals.”

According to the zoo, the woman was watching keepers work in the carnivore precinct when, “inexplicably,” one of the animals grabbed her by the arm, causing severe damage.

“At no stage did this animal leave its enclosure, and there was no risk at all to staff members or members of the public,” it said.

The zoo added that the attack occurred during an activity the woman “has done many, many times over the past 20 years.”

“Police and Workplace Health and Safety personnel are investigating this incident and have been on site all morning,” the zoo said. “The zoo is working with them to establish how this incident occurred, but the full details will not be known until our family member can be interviewed.”

The zoo later clarified that the involved animal will neither be euthanized nor punished.

Last month, the zoo promoted its lions on its Facebook page, stating its managing director, Steven Robinson, and his wife, Stephanie, have been breeding lions since 1997 and moved their collection to the Darling Downs Zoo in 2002.

“Every day at 10 a.m., they are on supervised display to our visitors and are also available for some personalized encounters,” the June post stated. “These encounters are strictly monitored to ensure their enjoyment of them and their wellbeing.”

The zoo said it expects to reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Spain has seen the most recent cases of the disease as experts say one activity ‘drastically increases’ the risk of catching it

New cases of a killer virus have been detected in holiday hotspots loved by British tourists – and experts have warned it could reach the UK. It’s been described as the current biggest threat to public health, after breaking out in Iraq and Namibia.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), has also caused two reported deaths in Pakistan – with several cases reported in Spain. Last week, insiders speaking to Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee revealed it was “highly likely” there could soon be cases in the UK.

In its most recent report the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said a case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever was recetnyl reported in Spain with the illness ‘known to be circulating among animals in this region and human CCHF cases have been previously reported in the area.”

In the eight years to 2024 a total of 16 autochthonous CCHF cases have been reported in Spain with dates of disease onset between April and August. The province of Salamanca is a hotspot for CCHF, with 50% of the cases being exposed to ticks.

It adds that in certain conditions in Spain people are much more likely to catch Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: “This risk drastically increases for people performing activities that expose them to tick bites (e.g. hunting, forestry work, hiking, animal surveillance).

The UK Heath Security Agency has said it is estimated that globally between 10,000 and 15,000 human infections, including approximately 500 fatalities, occur annually, although this is likely to be an underestimate as many cases.

Confirmed CCHF cases have been imported into the UK, including one fatal case in 2012 and one in 2014. In March 2022, a CCHF case was reported in the UK following an initial positive test result.

To prevent CCHF:

• Use DEET-containing insect repellent to prevent tick bites.
• Wear gloves, long sleeves, and pants when handling animals where CCHF is found.
• Avoid contact with body fluids of potentially infected animals or people.

“As a general precaution against CCHF, but also against other tick-borne diseases, people who may potentially be exposed to ticks should apply personal protective measures against tick bites. In 2023 experts speaking to Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee revealed it was “highly likely” there could soon be cases in the UK.

During the hearing, James Wood, head of veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, said CCHF could find its way to the UK “through our ticks, at some point”. The disease is caused by Nairovirus, a condition that is spread by ticks and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and has a fatality rate of between 10 and 40 percent. Typically, the condition is found at small stages in Africa, the Balkans, the Middle East and in Asia, reports the Express. However, the disease could be expanding out of its usual territories and moving towards the likes of Britain and France due to climate change.

WHO noted CCHF was among its nine “priority diseases”, a system that lays bare the biggest public health risks. CCHF was first described in the Crimea in 1944, among soldiers and agricultural workers, and in 1969 it was recognised that the virus causing the disease was identical to a virus isolated from a child in the Congo in 1956. Humans (and possibly non-human primates) are the only animal species known to manifest severe clinical CCHF disease.

Symptoms of CCHF

Among the virus’ symptoms include headaches, high fever, back and joint pain, stomach ache, and vomiting. Red eyes, a flushed face, a red throat, and petechiae (red spots) on the palate are also common.

In severe cases, WHO warns, jaundice, mood swings and sensory perception are encountered. As the illness progresses, large areas of severe bruising, severe nosebleeds, and uncontrolled bleeding at injection sites can be seen, beginning on about the fourth day of illness and lasting for about two weeks.

In documented outbreaks of CCHF, fatality rates in hospitalised patients ranged from nine percent to as high as 50 percent. The long-term effects of CCHF infection have not been studied well enough in survivors to determine whether or not specific complications exist. However, recovery is slow.

Globally, there have been case reports, virological or serological evidence of human infection in at least 55 countries. In the European Region and its neighbouring countries, locally acquired human cases and/or outbreaks have been reported from Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Kosovo, Russia, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine. Spain officially reported its first autochthonous case in August 2016, the first in Western Europe, following their first detection of CCHFV infected ticks in 2010. At the end of October 2023, French officials reported the detection of CCHFV in H. marginatum ticks collected from cattle in the eastern Pyrénées, which was the first time the presence of the virus in tick populations had been confirmed in the country.

As the waters off England, Ireland, Wales and even as far north as Scotland get warmer, they become a more favourable environment for the reproduction and survival of jellyfish

Jellyfish populations have ‘exploded’ off the UK coast, with a marine biologist warning that stingrays could be next.

As the waters off England, Ireland, Wales and even as far north as Scotland get warmer, they become a more favourable environment for the reproduction and survival of jellyfish, leading to a booming population of them in British and Irish seas – and even rivers.

In 2023, a report by the Marine Conservation Society revealed a 32% rise in jellyfish sightings in UK and Irish waters over 12 months, with 11% of those spotted coming in large blooms of over 100 individuals. That is an increase of 57% from the year before.

While the blobby creatures are fascinating to look at and wobble with a spade when they get marooned on the sand, they can, in many cases, deliver a painful sting to bathers. Although in the UK none are known to be fatal, they can seriously ruin a day at the beach.

Even more so if you fall for the old wives’ remedy of urine, which not only doesn’t get rid of the pain, it can make it worse.

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Genevieve Watson, biologist and water data consultant at KISTERS, explains why jellyfish are becoming a more common sight in the waters off Britain.

“Rising sea temperatures are having a direct impact on marine life in all kinds of ways. Warmer waters can expand the habitat of marine species such as stingrays and jellyfish, allowing them to thrive in our coastal regions – areas that would have previously been too cold for them,” she said.

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“This is something that feels particularly noticeable as we are seeing these changes happening within our lifetimes. Few of us will look back to our childhood and remember ever seeing a stingray or jellyfish in the water at the seaside, but actually, for our children and grandchildren, this could be an increasingly common sight.

“It’s most noticeable with jellyfish, as they are able to thrive in conditions that other marine life may not, because of their higher resilience to warmer temperatures. We’ve seen increased reports over recent years of jellyfish blooms on the Welsh coast as their population has exploded due to increasingly warm waters, it’s highly possible that stingrays could be next.”

There are multiple jellyfish species currently living in UK waters. They are:

• Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita): This jellyfish has a translucent dome shaped bell with four distinct horseshoe-shaped purple rings (called gonads) visible through its bell. This jellyfish delivers a mild sting. The most commong jellyfish in british waters, hundreds of these have been spotted in the waters and washed up near Porthmadog this month.
• Lion’s Mane Jellyfish (Cyanea capillata): This jellyfish is usually a yellow, orange or brown colour and is famous for its long and trailing tentacles. It can deliver a painful sting if you encounter it while swimming.
• Barrel Jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo): This large mushroom shaped jellyfish can be white, baby pink or pale blue and is sometimes fringed with purple markings, it has a large, robust bell and is usually white or pale blue. Its sting is usually mild.
• Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella): This jellyfish has a clear or yellow-tinted bell and has distinctive brown markings that radiate from its centre like a compass. It can deliver a painful sting. These are fequently spotted on the waters around Anglesey.
• Mauve Stinger (Pelagia noctiluca): As its name would suggest, this jellyfish has a deep purple coloured bell with dark wart-like patterns. It has four frilled arms and eight long tentacles. Another jellyfish known for its painful sting.
• Portuguese Man o’ War (Physalia physalis): Technically not a jellyfish; however, if its long, venomous tentacles deliver a serious sting, you’re unlikely to be too worried about technicalities. Its trailing tentacles are attached to a distinctive blue, balloon-like float. Keep pets and children away from them if spotted.

June 30 (UPI) — Imports of livestock from Mexico will resume in phases starting next week after a ban in May at ports of entry because of fear of the spread of New World screwworm, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday.

Ports of entry will allow certain cattle, horses and bison to go into Arizona, New Mexico and Texas after they were banned on May 11, the agency said in a news release.

The screwworm has been eradicated from the United States for decades. But it has been detected in Mexico as far north as Oaxaca and Veracruz, about 700 miles away from the U.S. border.

When NWS maggots burrow into the flesh of a living animal, they cause serious and often deadly damage to the animal, USDA said. Mature screwworm larvae can grow up to two-thirds of an inch.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service experts and their counterparts in Mexico worked to increase New World Screwworm surveillance, detection and eradication.

A phased reopening of the southern ports will start Monday in Douglas, Ariz., based on the lowest risk because of the geography of Sonora and an effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora.

The other openings are set for July 14 in Columbus, N.M.; July 21 in Santa Teresa, N.M.; Aug. 18 in Del Rio, Texas; and Sept. 15 in Laredo, Texas.

In the past eight weeks, there hasn’t been a notable increase in reported NWS cases in Mexico or any northward movement, the agency said.

USDA has been conducting sterile NWS fly dispersal seven days each week, including the dispersal of more than 100 million flies each week.

Five teams of APHIS staff were sent to observe and gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s NWS response.

“At USDA we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico,” USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said. “We have made good progress with our counterparts in Mexico to increase vital pest surveillance efforts and have boosted sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade.

“We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”

On June 18, she met with cattle fever tick riders along the Rio Grande River. If the NWS advances northward into the United States, these tick riders “will play a crucial role in spotting and combating this pest,” an agency news release said.

USDSA is building a fly-production center at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, that could boost domestic sterile fly production by up to 300 million flies per week. Another one is planned at Moore Air Base, which alo could boost domestic sterile fly production by up to 300 million flies per week.

This week, Mexico will begin renovation of its sterile fruit fly facility in Metapa with completion by July 2026. The changes will allow for production of between 60 and 100 million sterile NWS flies each week.

The goal is produce an estimated 400 to 500 million flies each week to re-establish the NWS barrier at the Darien Gap, which is the border between Panama and Colombia.

Only cattle and bison, born and raised in Sonora or Chihuahua, in Mexico, or are treated according to cattle and bison NWS protocol when entering the U.S. will be eligible for import.

Equines may import from anywhere in Mexico though there is a seven-day quarantine at the port of entry.

USDA plans to remove any federal regulatory hurdles for sufficient treatments and work with state officials on emergency management plans in states.

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association back the agency’s efforts.