Britain is experiencing a significant surge in animal rescues due to suspected heatstroke as soaring temperatures continue across the country, with a fourth heatwave on the horizon. The RSPCA has reported an influx of wildlife, including hedgehogs and foxes, at rescue centers.
Two young hedgehogs were found in distress in Somerset and brought to the West Hatch Wildlife Centre, which is now caring for several other animals admitted due to the heat. Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 35C (95F) in parts of southeastern England this week. July has already been recorded as 3C above average across the UK, following record-breaking temperatures in May and June.
Veterinary data from June shows a 66% increase in suspected heatstroke cases treated in clinics compared to two years prior, with 179 cases recorded. In June alone, RSPCA wildlife centers admitted 316 hedgehogs, a 56% rise from the previous year. "These animals are usually not out in the daytime, but they're coming out because they're struggling to find food and water, and ending up with heatstroke," stated Amy Ockelford, a senior press officer at the RSPCA. The charity urges the public to provide clean, cool water for wildlife and create shaded areas.
The extreme weather is also impacting human health, with an amber heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London, effective from Tuesday to Thursday. This alert warns of increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Elderly individuals are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses as their bodies struggle to regulate temperature. Older buildings, common in the UK, can become extremely hot, exacerbating these risks.
Heat-Related Fatalities and Blood Shortages
An estimated 2,700 heat-related deaths occurred during the May and June heatwaves, with individuals over 85 accounting for more than 60% of these fatalities. Age UK recommends avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, keeping curtains drawn, and staying hydrated.
The heatwaves have also led to critically low blood supplies. NHS Blood and Transplant has issued an urgent appeal for donors, as stocks of certain blood groups, including O negative, B negative, and Ro, are at half their target levels. O positive stocks are also low. Hot weather typically reduces donations by 5% to 10% due to donors' iron levels and the inability to run donation sessions. The NHS is also facing increased demand for emergency transfusions for sickle cell patients, particularly for Ro blood, most common in individuals of Black heritage, placing additional pressure on O negative and B negative supplies.
NHS Blood and Transplant has made over 60,000 donation appointments available in the coming six weeks and is encouraging eligible individuals to donate, emphasizing that each donation can save up to three lives.
