Government urged to regulate cat breeding
The Animal Welfare Committee, which advises the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Scottish and Welsh governments, has called for new legislation to regulate cat breeding.
The call is included in a new independent report on cat breeding produced by the the committee, which is made up of veterinary and animal welfare experts.
The committee wants to see licensing introduced that explicitly prevents the breeding of cats which suffer from health and welfare problems linked to breed characteristics.
The recommendations also include allowing only registered veterinary surgeons to undertake ultrasound scans of pet cats for pregnancy diagnosis and only after careful consideration has been given to welfare harms, and that all artificial reproductive procedures should be banned from being used in domesticated cats.
The committee’s report has been welcomed by Cats Protection. According to the charity’s Cats And Their Stats report for this year, sales of pedigree cats have overtaken sales of non-pedigree cats for the first time.
The charity is concerned that some genetic mutations in pedigree cats, such as that which causes the folded ears of Scottish fold cats, can also cause significant health and welfare problems. A petition launched by the charity calling for cat breeding to be regulated has attracted more than 50,000 signatures.
Madison Rogers, associate director of advocacy, campaigns and external affairs for Cats Protection, said: “Cats Protection has been calling on the government to urgently introduce regulations to licence cat breeding.
“Following engagement earlier this year with the Animal Welfare Committee, we are delighted to see they have released an independent report recommending that the government regulate cat breeding and ban the breeding of cats with known and harmful extreme traits.”
The full report from the Animal Welfare Committee can be read here.
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Study finds cause of sleeping sickness spread
A study from the University of Edinburgh has found that gene mutation has caused a deadly disease, known as sleeping sickness, to spread beyond Africa.
New strains of the disease have already been identified in Asia, South America and southern Europe. It is feared that a strain directly affecting humans could spread in a similar way.
Sleeping sickness, or tsetse-transmitted trypanosomiasis, can affect all domesticated animals. It can result in anaemia, cause loss of condition and impact reproduction. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
African trypanosomes, the parasites which cause sleeping sickness, are normally transmitted in sub-Saharan Africa by tsetse flies.
However, the researchers now suspect that climate change and the measures used to manage the tsetse fly population may have resulted in molecular changes in the organisms which cause sleeping sickness.
These changes have caused new and more virulent versions of the parasites. This includes the ability to cause infection without transmitting through tsetse flies.
To better understand these changes, the researchers analysed the genetic make-up of over 80 samples of trypanosomes. These samples were collected from people, tsetse flies, cows and other animals.
Using this information, the researchers collated the different parasite strains into a family tree.
They then tested the different molecular changes using a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9. This showed the multiple mutations which are involved in the life cycle and were involved in the parasite’s evolution.
The findings revealed that it was changes to the key genes which had simplified the organism’s life cycle and was enabling it to spread beyond the normal geographic range.
The researchers say that these new discoveries will prove vital to identifying and combatting emerging virulent strains of the parasites.
Study co-lead Keith Matthews, of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences, said: “Trypanosomes have found ways to expand their geographic range by excluding the tsetse fly from their life cycle.
“The molecular changes they exhibit can allow us to detect the emergence of these virulent parasites that threaten both cattle and, potentially, humans.”
Guy Oldrieve, also a co-author from the University of Edinburgh, added: “We plan to continue this research and develop a portable diagnostic tool to facilitate detection of future outbreaks in real-time.”
The full study can be found in the journal Nature Communications.
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RUMA CA&E releases 2024 Annual Progress Report
The Responsible use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E) has released data in its 2024 Annual Progress Report on antibiotic use from 2022-2023.
The data reveals that, although antibiotic use in dogs has continued to decrease, antibiotic use in cats has begun to increase yet again.
Measured using the mg/kg metric, RUMA CA&E has recorded a 15 per cent reduction in antibiotic use in dogs between 2022 and 2023. This follows a trend as, with the exception of 2020-2021, antibiotic use in dogs has decreased year-on-year since 2016.
Antibiotic use in cats, however, had been showing a steady upward trend since 2015. Despite a decrease between 2021 and 2022, this year’s data shows an 11 per cent increase between 2022 and 2023.
The DDDVet data, which represents the average dose per kg animal per species per day, demonstrates a similar trend.
RUMA CA&E has also published data on Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics (HP-CIAs). The group says that products containing HP-CIAs provide valuable options for conditions which are more difficult to treat.
HP-CIA use in dogs has reduced by 14 per cent between 2022 and 2023. This is a nine year overall reduction of 57 per cent, bringing HP-CIA use to its lowest level since 2014.
There was also a 16 per cent reduction among cats between 2022-2023, taking cats’ nine year overall reduction to 42 per cent.
Gwyn Jones, RUMA CA&E chair, said: “RUMA CA&E’s mission has progressed in earnest over the past 12 months which has seen us continue our efforts to further evolve industry focus on antimicrobial stewardship across the CA&E sectors.
“Our key activities have included the delivery of another important industry roundtable event to continue to explore solutions towards reporting annual antibiotic usage figures for CA&E sectors; our Targets and Measures Working Group (T&MWG) has been working hard to further evolve a suite of measures beyond the national metrics for dogs and cats that were defined last year; and we have just completed the delivery of the third Veterinary Antibiotic Amnesty campaign which is one of our flagship industry AMS initiatives.”
Steve Howard, RUMA CA&E secretary general, said: “I am pleased to see that data from the latest UK-Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARSS) Report (2023) which was released on 19 November 2024, is showing reductions in antibiotic use in dogs and HP-CIA use in cats between 2022 and 2023, which is testament to the extensive industry activities underway and overall commitment to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) from the profession.”
The full report can be read here.
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Legal challenge to XL bully ban dismissed
A legal challenge to the restrictions on XL bully dogs in England and Wales has lost in the High Court.
The group Don't Ban Me Licence Me had sought a judicial review of the decision by the Department for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to add XL bully dogs to the list of breeds banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
The campaign group argued that the ban on the breed was unlawful. Among its challenges were that the government had failed to take into account relevant material, had relied on wrong or baseless assumptions, and had failed to comply with equality legislation.
Mrs Justice Lang dismissed the majority of the legal challenge. Although she did allow that the government had failed to comply with public sector equality rules in assessments it made in September and October 2023, Mrs Justice Lang ruled that the outcome would very likely not have been different.
In her judgement, Mrs Justice Lang said of the decision made by then secretary of state Thérèse Coffey: “In my view, it was rational for the Defendant to assess and act upon the available evidence on dog attacks and fatalities. It was not necessary for her to interrogate each reported case of a dog attack or fatality for verification.
“It was not necessary for her to delay the decision until an official definition of the XL bully was prepared. The basic characteristics of an XL bully were already well known before the Defendant published the Conformation Standard.”
The legal decision has been met with disappointment from the RSPCA.
Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA lead on dog control, said: “While we’re bitterly disappointed with this outcome, we commend the Don’t Ban Me Licence Me group for all of their hard work and for taking a stand to speak out for XL bullies and their owners.
“We will continue to call for this approach to dog control to be reviewed and replaced. To make a real difference to public safety and properly protect dog welfare, we need a complex approach which is backed by robust evidence.”
Image © Shutterstock
Articles by
Steph Cook
R Eddie Clutton
Clinical director
Siuna A Reid
Exotics specialist
Stephenie Malone
Specialist employment solicitor
Karen Wild
Clinical animal behaviourist
Claire Hodgson
Equine clinician
Kerry Doolin
Emergency and critical care clinician
Hilary Orpet
Senior lecturer and veterinary nurse
Clara Ashcroft
Marketing and communications writer and journalist
Jemma Fry
Veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist
Stephanie Williams
Diagnostic radiographer
Norman Johnston
Dental and oral surgery specialist
Kieran Borgeat
Specialist in veterinary cardiology
Claire Hargrave
Animal behaviourist and lecturer
Emma Purnell
Veterinary nurse
John Hill
Bee enthusiast and experienced veterinary surgeon
John Matthews
Veterinary surgeon with a specific interest in goat care
Hayley Walters
Welfare and anaesthesia veterinary nurse
Helen Ballantyne
Human and veterinary nurse
Rob Tillyard
Specialising in veterinary practice management systems
Jane Ellison
Senior information scientist at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service
Alice Allbrook
James Yeates
Chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA
Joanne Webster
Head RVN, specialist in veterinary nurse training
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Christmas comes early at London Zoo
Squirrel monkeys and lion cubs tuck into festive treats.
Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have been getting into the festive spirit early by offering delicious treats and scented gifts to their animal residents.
Endangered lions Bhanu and Arya and their nine-month-old cubs, born at the zoo this year, woke up to find their home filled with golden presents, fragranced with frankincense and myrrh.
It is hoped the scented offerings will encourage the lions to test their incredible olfactory powers, investigating the unfamiliar smell and the wrapped present boxes.
A pile of small advent calendar boxes were also left out for the Zoo's group of black-capped squirrel monkeys, stuffed with their favourite seeds, nuts and snacks.
Angela Ryan, London Zoo’s head of zoological operations, said: “Introducing these festive offerings to the animals’ habitats is a way to encourage the lions and monkeys to use their incredible exploratory skills.
“The Asiatic lions rely on their keen sense of smell to discover treats, while others, like the squirrel monkeys, will put their problem-solving skills to the test, figuring out how to access goodies hidden inside festive packaging.”
Image: ZSL London Zoo.
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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens
The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance – Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA – CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year’s Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.
Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue. The responses to the survey will be published anonymously to help shape future campaigns.
Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to £100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.
The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link.
Image © Shutterstock
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension
Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.
The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.
Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.
A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.
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Defra releases guidance for pet-safe Christmas
The UK's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has published guidance to support families with having a pet-safe Christmas.
Christine Middlemiss calls for pet owners to be vigilant about giving treats and choosing to introduce a new dog to the household.
Dr Middlemiss says that, although some may share their Christmas dinner with their pet, there are many elements which are not safe for animals. Turkey bones can cause obstructions in an animal’s airways, while onions, leeks, shallots and garlic are toxic to pets.
Sweet foods can also be fatal to pets. Mincemeat, currants, raisins and sultanas are all toxic foods that can cause harm to dogs and cats. Chocolate is particularly poisonous to dogs so, if a dog is suspected of ingesting chocolate, they should receive urgent veterinary attention.
Veterinary centres are advised to share the full list of toxic foods with their clients.
Christmas decorations can also a pose a threat to pets’ welfare. Tinsel and Christmas lights should be kept out of pets’ reach and pine needles should be cleaned up regularly. Poinsettias, holly berries and mistletoe can also be harmful to pets if ingested.
To protect dogs from the cold, owners should make sure their beds are far from any cold draughts and plan walks that avoid frozen ponds and lakes.
Defra does not advise that new pets are introduced during Christmas but advises potential owners to take precautions if they choose to do so.
Those purchasing a pet should make sure that it has been microchipped and registered on a compliant database. Some sellers may hide that the pet has been bred or kept in poor conditions.
If adopting a pet from abroad, potential owners should research the rescue organisation. They should also check that the pet will be transported by an authorised transporter and checked thoroughly by a veterinary professional before travelling.
Dr Middlemiss said: “Whilst Christmas is not the best time to introduce a new pet to your household, there are precautions you can take over the festive period to make sure you are taking steps to keep them safe and happy.
“There are some increased risks around this time - from potential hazards such as toxic foods to making sure your animals are kept warm – and being aware of these will help you and your pets have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.”
Image © Shutterstock
PDSA warns dog owners about laser pens
The veterinary charity PDSA has created a new TikTok video explaining the dangers of dog owner’s using a laser pen to play with their dog.
The video features Gemma Renwick, a PDSA vet nurse, setting out the negative impact that playing with a laser pen can have on a dog’s mental health.
Ms Renwick explained: “Laser syndrome makes dogs extremely frustrated because they can never actually catch the laser. Although this might seem like a fun enrichment for your dog, it could make symptoms worse, especially for dogs with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.
“This can mean that your dog’s welfare needs are not being met. If your dog is fixated on chasing a light, like a laser pen, it is important to get them checked by a vet, who may refer you to a dog behaviourist.”
For owners who are still keen to use them, despite the charity’s advice, PSDA recommends combining them with games that allow the dog to get a treat.
Ms Renwick added: “If you do choose to continue using laser pointing games with your pet, it’s a good idea to alternate them with another game that allows them to get their paws on a prize.
“Shining the laser pointer on treat-filled toys will give your dog something that provides them with a reward, while entertaining them in a more safe and healthy way.”
The PDSA TikTok page contains a range of expert advice for pet owners.
Image © PDSA
Flat-faced dog traits normalised by owners
Owner perception is impacting brachycephalic welfare reform.
A study from the Royal Veterinary College has suggested that owners normalising brachycephalic traits could be impacting welfare reform.
A new survey, conducted with Blue Cross, has revealed that many dog owners were not concerned by the health conditions affecting brachycephalic dogs, with some saying ‘nothing’ could deter them from choosing a brachycephalic dog.
Brachycephalic (or flat-faced) breeds are increasingly popular among dog owners. However there has also been growing evidence of the significant health and welfare issues which affect these breeds.
Among the health issues that these extreme conformations cause are respiratory problems, eye conditions and skin infections.
Due to these welfare concerns, there have been numerous campaigns and groups dedicated to reducing their acquisition. The results of the survey, however, suggests that many owners remain committed to brachycephalic dogs.
The survey questioned 2,000 participants, including owners of extreme brachycephalic (E-BC), moderate brachycephalic (M-BC) and non-brachycephalic dogs (non-BC), about their pet preferences.
One in seven owners of an E-BC said that ‘nothing’ could put them off flat-faced dogs. These owners also had a strong preference for flat faces and considered ‘laziness’ a highly desirable behavioural characteristic.
More owners of E-BCs (33.6 per cent) and M-BCs (30.2 per cent) did not believe that brachycephaly limits the lifespan of a dog compared to non-BC owners.
E-BC owners and M-BC owners also proved to be more likely to conduct limited pre-purchase research compared to non-BC owners. One in seven E-BC owners had found their dog on social media and would go on to post videos of their dog.
The researchers believe that a number of interventions are necessary to prevent the normalisation of brachycephalic breeds.
This would include detailed pre-purchase information to combat misinformation, as well as narrative-based evidence to tackle denial of issues. It could also include a study of social media content and behaviour to counter cases of polarisation in online communities.
Rowena Packer, lead author of the study, said: “This research highlights the widespread normalisation of signs of poor health in brachycephalic dogs, with even owners of non-brachycephalic dogs considering signs of disease desirable ‘personality’ traits. A further huge concern is the substantial proportion of owners of extreme brachycephalic dogs who consider nothing could put them off acquiring these problematic breeds.
“Future strategies to tackle the brachycephalic crisis must do more than presenting purely health-based data in generic public locations, and instead, positively offering possible alternate breeds, myth-busting false beliefs and leveraging human stories of brachycephalic owners to have greater impact.”
The full study can be found in the journal Pets.
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RSPCA Young Photographer Awards winner announced
A teenager from Wales has been named as the winner of this year’s RSPCA Young Photographer’s Award.
Anwen Whitehead, 15, won the accolade for her entry, ‘Daydreaming in the Chamomiles’. Her photograph depicted a puffin on Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire, West Wales.
The entry received praise from the competition judges, who commended the emotion and composition of Anwen’s entry. They remarked on how difficult photographing puffins is and complimented the diffused background.
Several of Anwen’s other entries, judged anonymously, were also recognised in a number of categories.
‘Daydreaming in the Chamomiles’ also won in the 12-15 category, where her red squirrel image 'Sergeant Squirrel reporting for duty’ was also commended.
‘Peckish’, another image of a red squirrel, was commended in the ‘12-15 mobile’ category and her swallows image was runner-up in the ‘City Life’ selection. Her ‘Puffin Paradise’ collection was also a runner-up in the portfolio category.
Anwen said: “I’ve always had a love of animals. We live in rural Wales so I’m surrounded by animals and nature.
“I think it’s really important to try and help protect nature through photography by showing both the magic and the fragility of nature to help make people realise how special nature really is. I see wildlife photography as a tool for conservation by helping to spread the word.”
The awards were judged by a panel of experts including wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby, former competition winner Catriona Parfitt, wildlife photographer Ellie Rothner and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs. This year, the judges were joined by Fabian Rivers, also known as the ‘Dready Vet’, who treats exotic animals and wildlife as well as appearing on CBBC’s The Pets Factor.
Other winners included Jamie Smart, nine, who was the overall winner of last year’s competition. Jamie won in four categories this year, including ‘Under 12s’, ‘Pet Portraits’ and ‘Better Worlds’.
The winners were celebrated at a ceremony at the Tower of London on Thursday, 19 December. Although he was unable to attend the event, RSPCA president Chris Packham recorded a message for the winners.
Mr Packham said: “Photography is a great way of communicating your love for, your passion for, your fascination for, and your concern for animals. I think it’s really important that we use that as a tool at this particular time when a lot of animals are in trouble.
“Being able to use your imagination, creativity and ingenuity to come up with something personally unique and powerful is a very important tool.”
Image © Anwen Whitehead/RSPCA Young Photographer Awards
Equine charity sees big rise in multi-horse welfare incidents
World Horse Welfare has revealed a significant increase this year in the number of welfare incidents it has seen involving large groups of horses.
As of November 2024, the charity has responded to 157 situations involving more than 10 horses deemed to be at risk. This is a 44 per cent rise from last year, which saw a total of 109 cases. The number of situations involving over 50 horses deemed to be at risk has almost doubled.
The charity, which has 16 field officers across Great Britain, has had to invest in equipment such as trailers and large horse-safe panels to help it safely round up and transport large groups of unhandled horses.
World Horse Welfare believes that changing climate conditions and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis are affecting people’s ability to look after large groups of horses.
Claire Gordon, World Horse Welfare chief field officer, explained: “I believe we are seeing more horse owners unable to cope through not being able to adapt quickly enough to the climatic challenges such as warmer, wetter winters.
“These are having a huge impact on their land, which puts strain on their own management practices and on top of this everything has become so much more expensive.
“High stocking density can lead to quagmires with no dry resting areas to escape the mud which leads to foot and skin problems.”
The charity has found that in many cases, the horse owners are also struggling to look after themselves. In response, it has launched its Help for Horse Owners service to provide support in such situations.
Ms Gordon added: “We have lost count of the number of people we have helped when they have nowhere else to turn and are often at their lowest ebb. They usually are so grateful and report back that they wished they had known sooner that we existed and that they would have asked for help earlier if only they had known.
“We hope that by highlighting this rising trend, we can reach more of the people who are struggling now, so they know a channel exists to seek help from, without judgement.”
More about the Help for Horse Owners service can be found here.
Image © World Horse Welfare
RCVS makes Christmas donation to StreetVet
StreetVet has been announced as the recipient of this year’s Christmas donation from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The charity was chosen to receive the £4,000 donations by RCVS president Linda Belton.
Dr Belton explained: “The charity’s work providing free veterinary care for animals whose owners are experiencing homelessness is just one example of how the veterinary professions positively impact not only animals but also people, whether through individuals or wider society.
“Our connection with society at large is often overlooked and the collective veterinary voice has a lot to offer.”
StreetVet was launched in 2016. Since then, it has helped care for more than 2,500 pets, from providing essentials such as vaccinations to performing surgeries.
Jade Statt, co-founder and clinical director for StreetVet, said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that StreetVet has been selected as the RCVS president’s charity this Christmas.
“The demand for our support continues to rise and these crucial funds will help us to continue delivering our free veterinary care services to the pets and their owners that need it most.
“The support we get from the veterinary profession as a whole – in funds, expertise, procedures, and volunteer hours – is truly incredible and StreetVet would not exist without it. Thank you all so much.”
Image © Shutterstock
Edinburgh Zoo makes Hogmanay fireworks appeal
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has urged residents near Edinburgh Zoo not to let off fireworks during Hogmanay, after a three-month-old red panda died at the zoo last month.
Roxie choked on her own vomit on 5 November. Veterinary experts at the zoo believe her death may have been caused by the stress of fireworks being set off in the city for Bonfire Night.
Her mother, Ginger, also died unexpectedly five days before, and her death may also have been linked to fireworks.
Because there is not enough time for the City of Edinburgh Council to consult on a fireworks exclusion zone for the area around the zoo, RZSS is appealing to residents not to set any off during Hogmanay celebrations.
The zoo is also planning to protect animals from any fireworks by keeping them indoors and, where possible, providing them with deep bedding to reduce noise impact. Long-term, RZSS is calling for tighter restrictions on the sale of fireworks.
Ben Supple, RZSS’s deputy chief executive, said: “We have been inundated by messages from people who were shocked by what happened to Roxie and believe the UK government should ban fireworks from being sold to the public due to the severe impact they can have on animals.
“Firework control zones are a positive step, but only part of the solution, as the noise from explosions can carry over long distances. So-called silent fireworks are also an improvement, though they can emit low frequency sounds which can cause distress to animals.
“We believe displays should be restricted to organised events which use the latest light and drone technology and are completely silent. This would help avoid devastating consequences for animals while ensuring that people can still enjoy traditional celebrations like Hogmanay.”
Image © Shutterstock
Retired police dog back home for Christmas after surgery
A retired police dog is home in time for Christmas after undergoing surgery for cruciate ligament damage.
Nine-year-old Jooba initially worked as a military dog, before serving as a police dog in South Wales and South Yorkshire. When the Belgian Malinois retired in 2022, she was adopted by her handler Michael Greaves and his family in Barnsley.
In November 2022, she needed surgery for a torn cruciate ligament. Last month, she began limping again and her family suspected that there may be an issue with the cruciate ligament in her other hind leg.
She underwent surgery on 28 November, but problems arose as she recovered from the operation. A week after the operation, she had to be rushed back to the veterinary practice due to an infection in her joint.
Mr Greaves said: “Jooba was clearly in a lot of pain and vets did further tests and X-rays as well as a fluid withdrawal which showed that she had an infection in the joint. She needed strong antibiotics and significant pain relief and, thankfully, she’s now beginning to come out of the other side.”
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which provides support for retired police dogs, has funded veterinary care for Jooba, including both her operations.
Mr Greaves added: “She’s started to put weight on that leg again and is recovering well. She’s now on the road to recovery, just in time for Christmas, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for covering the huge costs of all this treatment, and for getting our girl back home to us for the holidays.”
Since it was founded in 2020, the charity has supported over 150 dogs with grants totalling more than £300,000.
Thin Blue Paw trustee and co-founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “Jooba dedicated years of her life to working for the military and then the police. It’s only right that now, in her retirement, she’s given the very best care to get her back on her paws quickly and back home with her adoring family.
“We’re proud to have been there for Jooba in her hour of need, and to ease the financial burden on Michael and his family, particularly at this time of year.
Image © Thin Blue Paw Foundation
Shetland nature reserves see increase in seabirds
A census of seabirds in Scotland’s Shetland Islands has found that many of its seabirds had seen an increase in population on the previous year.
The statistics revealed that populations of the great skua at the Shetland National Nature Reserves (NNRs) had increased since 2023, although they still remained significantly lower than before the outbreak of avian influenza in 2022.
This year’s census at the Hermaness NNR found 220 breeding pairs of great skuas, compared to 208 breeding pairs in 2023. Despite this slight increase, this is a 77 per cent decline since 2018 – the last census completed before the avian influenza outbreak. In 2018, there were 955 breeding pairs of great skuas.
Similarly, a count at the Noss NNR found just 80 pairs of great skua, compared to 69 in 2023. This is still an 83 per cent decline since 2018, when 476 breeding pairs were counted.
Conservationists at NatureScot are also concerned for the status of gannets in the Shetland Islands, as this species was also impacted by the avian influenza outbreak.
Although no formal count was carried out this year, gannet numbers are believed to be higher in 2024. However, NatureScot estimates that the conservation of this species has been set back 20 years by the outbreak.
In 2021, there were 29,562 gannet nests at the Hermaness site. This dropped to just 18,739 nests in 2023.
There was only one positive case of avian influenza among the seabirds during the breeding season, however there were a small number of positive H5N5 cases among black-backed gulls and great skuas at the end of the season.
Juan Brown, NatureScot operations officer, said: “This year’s seabird census reveals the ongoing impact of the avian flu outbreak in 2022 and the painfully slow recovery of these populations which are likely to take years, if not decades, to reach pre-outbreak levels once again.
“In contrast to recent years, the small number of positive avian flu tests we have had this year have all been the H5N5 strain of the virus, rather than H5N1.
“While we don’t yet know what the impact of H5N5 will be on wild bird populations, we are keeping a close eye on the situation and encourage people to report all sightings of sick or dead birds using the GB online reporting system. Sightings will help us track the spread of the virus and assess impacts on wild bird populations.”
Image © Shutterstock
RVC receives funding to advance cattle vaccines
The grants will support reseach into bovine babesiosis and bovine tuberculosis vaccines.
Two international 'pump-prime' grants amounting to almost £168,000 have been awarded to the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to advance research into cattle vaccines.
The funding from the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN) will support studies into bovine babesiosis and bovine tuberculosis vaccines to enhance cattle welfare.
The first grant, amounting to £89,000, will support the investigation of the genetic diversity and vaccine potential of thrombospondin-repeat domain (TSR) proteins against bovine babesiosis.
The second grant, totalling nearly £79k, will use Nanopore DNA sequencing to improve understanding of genetic diversity in bovine tuberculosis (bTB) strains circulating in Algeria.
Vaccinology lecturer Dr Ellen Knuepfer will lead the research into TSR alongside Dr Silvina Wilkowsky, an independent researcher based at the Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Argentina.
She said: “This funding will allow us to test a group of proteins called TSR proteins not only on a genetic level, but also explore their function, and application as vaccine antigen to protect cattle from this often fatal disease.”
Dr Sharon Kendall, associate professor in molecular bacteriology and Dr Dong Xia, senior lecturer in bioinformatics at the RVC will be leading the research into bovine tuberculosis.
They will work alongside Dr Rachel Tanner, associate professor of One Health at the University of Oxford and Dr Mammar Khames, researcher and lecturer at the University of Medea, Algeria.
Dr Tanner said: “This is an excellent opportunity to further strengthen links between Oxford and RVC, as well as form a new partnership with researchers at Medea University. The project brings together a broad range of expertise to create a team that is greater than the sum of its parts, tackling the important global One Health issue of bovine TB.”
Dr Khames added: “As a veterinarian and zoonotic disease researcher in Medea University, Algeria, I'm delighted to be working with collaborators from the RVC and Oxford University on this project, which will enable me to acquire skills in the field of bovine tuberculosis research. Let's hope this will lead to promising results and a wider project in the future.”
Image (C) RVC.
New chair of RVC College appointed
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has appointed Lord Kakkar as the new chair of RVC Council.
He will succeed Baroness Young of Old Scone next year in leading the RVC’s governing body. The Council focuses on the veterinary school’s strategy and compliance requirements, risk and accountability.
A surgeon, academic, and cross-bench peer, Lord Kakkar currently holds several prominent roles, including emeritus professor of surgery at University College London, chair of King's Health Partners, chancellor of the University of Lincoln, and director of the Thrombosis Research Institute.
He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2022 for his contributions to healthcare and public service. Earlier this year, he was appointed Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of The Garter.
Lord Kakkar said: “I am honoured to take on the role as chair of the RVC Council next year. The RVC is a truly outstanding institution, and it will be a privilege to meet and work alongside such a talented and dedicated team of staff and students.”
Stuart Reid, principal of the RVC, added: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lord Kakkar and look forward to welcoming him to Council next year. Lord Kakkar’s experience is extensive and is matched by his passion for advancing knowledge through world-class research, providing high quality and groundbreaking clinical services and educating the future generations of vets, scientists and researchers.
“Lord Kakkar joins us at an exciting time for the institution and I know we will benefit from his exceptional knowledge and experience. He takes over from Baroness Young who has led Council with dedication and commitment over the last five years for which we extend a heartfelt thank you.”
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Researchers find causes of canine separation anxiety
New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed how early life experiences may contribute to a dog developing separation-related behaviours (SRBs).
The project aimed to understand which SRBs the dogs were developing, the experiences which might lead to them and whether there were any other contributing factors.
Canine SRBs have been identified in approximately 50 per cent of dogs, and can be associated with poor animal welfare. However, the factors are not fully understood, and are therefore harder to prevent.
To investigate the contributing factors, researchers examined data collected from 145 puppy owners during Dogs Trust’s ‘Generation Pup’ study. This involved exploratory risk factor analysis, where they linked early life experiences with owner-reported instances of SRB in six-month-old puppies.
The data showed that 46.9 per cent of the puppies had displayed signs of SRB.
The most common SRB displayed by these puppies was pacing, which was reported in 14.5 per cent of cases. This was followed by whining (7.6 per cent) and spinning (6.9 per cent).
Puppies which had experienced punishment or aversive techniques, such as telling off or ignoring, in response to ‘bad’ behaviour at 16 weeks of age were more likely to develop SRBs at six months. Similarly, dogs which had been ‘fussed’ were six times more likely to develop such behaviours.
Training also had an impact on their future chances of developing SRBs. Puppies that received poor training, or were trained with kibble or treats, proved more likely to develop this behaviour.
Dogs appeared less likely to develop SRBs if they were restricted to crates or rooms overnight, and if they got at least nine hours of sleep each night.
Investigations into the impact of dog breed or sex, however, found no clear link to SRBs.
Based on this data, the researchers advise that puppy owners refrain from aversive training methods with their pet and avoid fussing their pet in response to unwanted behaviour. Puppies should be allowed to sleep for at least nine hours in a crate or restricted to a room.
Fiona Dale, project lead and a PhD student at the RVC, said: “There has been relatively little research to date into whether the early experiences of puppies influence if they develop SRBs later in their lives.
“Our findings suggested that how owners responded to their puppies’ behaviour across different contexts was associated with the development of SRBs. In particular, aversive techniques (e.g. shouting at the puppy) when responding to ‘bad’ behaviour and fussing during reunions may lead to an increased risk of SRBs when puppies are six months of age.”
The full study can be found here.
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Martin Clunes stars in new Dogs Trust video
Actor Martin Clunes has teamed up with Dogs Trust to read a festive bedtime story that will help dogs to get to sleep.
In a video posted on social media and YouTube, Mr Clunes reads an adapted version of the poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ to Rocky the Underdog.
In this new version, the famous opening lines become: ‘’Twas the night before Christmas, at Dogs Trust so bright / where each dog was resting, tucked in for the night.’
The charity has found that providing enrichment through talking and reading to the dogs in its care has had a positive impact. It's one of the tasks carried out by volunteers at the charity's rehoming centres to help the roughly 13,000 dogs that Dogs Trust looks after each year.
The use of reading as enrichment is backed up by studies which have found that dogs bark less and rest more when they have listened to classical music or audiobooks.
Mr Clunes, who is an ambassador for Dogs Trust, said: “I’m delighted to work with Dogs Trust on this project.
“The Dogs Trust team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to give the wonderful dogs in its care the second chance they deserve, and if a bedtime story can bring a bit of happiness and reduce stress for these dogs, then I’m honoured to be part of it.”
Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, added: “We currently have over 1,500 dogs in our care, all looking for their forever homes. Until we find our dogs their forever families, we’ll continue to do all we can to make sure our rehoming centres are a happy place for them.”
The bedtime story can be viewed here.
Image © Dogs Trust
Study examines what makes dogs 'old'
A new study has been able to pinpoint the average age at which dogs are considered to be old.
Funded by BSAVA PetSavers, researchers from the University of Liverpool analysed the veterinary electronic health records (EHRs) of canine patients to discover the factors and concerns linked to old age.
According to records written by veterinary professionals, the first signs of old age are usually diagnosed when dogs are 12.5 years old. However, researchers say that this does not strictly apply to all dogs and that other factors, including breed size, can impact this.
Smaller breeds, like the Jack Russell terrier, usually aged slower, reaching old age at around 14 years old. Larger dogs, such as the Labrador retriever, reach old age at around 12 years.
As part of the data collection, researchers were also able to ascertain the main health concerns which can affect older dogs.
Concerns about a dog’s weight, such as being overweight or underweight, were identified in 35 per cent of records. This was closely followed by musculoskeletal issues which affected the dog’s mobility, which were raised in 33 per cent of cases.
Dental conditions were flagged in 31 per cent of EHRs. This could cover a range of concerns, including tartar buildup and periodontal disease.
The other two health concerns highlighted by the research were skin-related problems, found in 28 per cent of cases, and digestive issues, which were mentioned in 22 per cent of the records.
Based on this evidence, the researchers have produced an ‘Ageing Canine Toolkit’. This provides pet owners with a guide of the health signifiers that they should look out for in their dog.
The online checklist can be used by dog owners to monitor their pet’s mobility, weight, behaviour and motor functions.
Alongside this, the researchers recommend that pet owners research their pet’s breed-specific ageing needs, as well as being proactive about avoiding and tackling common health conditions. Pet owners should also book regular veterinary consultations, as early detection can make many conditions more treatable.
The full study can be found here, with the Ageing Canine Toolkit available here.
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Anti-seizure drugs could cause canine obesity, study finds
New research has revealed that anti-seizure drugs (ASD) could be leading to more epileptic dogs becoming obese.
Researchers say that the drugs cause epileptic dogs to have an increased appetite which, when not properly managed, can cause weight issues. This risk is increased when dogs are given treats to help administer medication.
Dogs which suffer from idiopathic epilepsy are often prescribed ASD throughout their lifetimes. These drugs reduce the frequency and severity of the dog’s seizures, but rarely lead to seizure freedom.
The medication has a number of long-lasting side effects, including decreased energy, increased food intake and weight gain.
Though these side effects are widely published in veterinary literature, they have not previously been quantified or studied.
To analyse food motivation, researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) collaborated with the University of Cambridge to issue a validated Dog Obesity Risk Assessment questionnaire. The survey was designed to determine the link between ASDs and weight gain, as well as considering how caregivers manage weight gain.
The data compared 222 dogs that were diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy with a control population of 7,086 healthy dogs.
Dogs which had idiopathic epilepsy and were receiving ASD were found to have a much higher food motivation than healthy dogs. They had increased interest in food, were less selective and were more interested in getting more food outside of meals.
Although their carers put effort into managing their pet’s diet, these dogs still had greater fat mass.
Fifty-three per cent of owners of dogs with epilepsy said they would always use treats to administer ASD medication, with 34 per cent saying they did not adjust their dog’s main food ration to suit. Since medication is usually administered twice a day, this can have a significant increase on calorie intake.
Rowena Packer, principal investigator of this research, said: “The findings of this research are key in helping the veterinary team provide greater information and support to pet owners managing their dog’s epilepsy.
“Although anti-seizure drugs are an essential part of the epilepsy treatment toolkit, ensuring owners are aware of the side effects and long-lasting impact of these medications is key in treatment decision-making, ensuring a balance between negative side effects such as increased food motivation against potential positive effects such as reduced seizure frequency, to maintain quality of life.”
The full study can be found in the journal Vet Record.
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Supply of vets and RVNs set to increase, RCVS predicts
The numbers of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are set to increase in the coming years, according to a new workforce model published by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
The findings of the report, created by the Institute for Employment Studies on behalf of the RCVS, suggest that recent workforce problems might be set to ease in the long-term.
The benefits would particularly be seen in clinical practice, where the supply of veterinary surgeons is predicted to increase from a total of 91 per cent in 2023 to almost 99 per cent in 2035.
However, the report did also suggest that there might still be shortages in the number of veterinary surgeons working in government public health roles. While the supply of veterinary surgeons in such roles met 79 per cent of demand in 2023, the model predicts that this will have fallen slightly to 78 per cent by 2035.
By 2035, the model predicts that the percentage of veterinary surgeons working in clinical practice will stand at 83 per cent, compared to 80 per cent in 2023.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS chief executive officer, said: “In 2021, there were clear concerns about there being a workforce crisis within the veterinary professions, and while that certainly seemed to be the case, and is likely to continue to be so in the short-term, according to this model the future picture for the professions looks much better in most areas of veterinary practice.
“However, government service/public health looks to be an area where there is still a significant shortfall in supply, which is concerning considering the importance of government vets in food safety, disease prevention and international trade and we are willing to continue to work with government to find ways to remedy this shortfall.”
The model also predicts an increase in the number of registered veterinary nurses, with the number predicted to exceed demand next year and reach a surplus of 22 per cent by 2035.
However, the RCVS has said that it believes the number of veterinary nurse roles available could rise as the number of RVNs increases.
Ms Lockett added: “We are aware that there may be some concerns about the implications of the model, particularly concerning the potential oversupply of veterinary nurses.
“While we stand by the robustness of the data, demography is not destiny, and with the planned enhancement of the veterinary nurse role, and the likelihood of suppressed demand due to prior shortages, it is likely that the number of veterinary nursing roles will expand to encompass the number of veterinary nurses available to work in it.”
The full report can be read here.
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