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WHO convene Emergency Committee on Zika
Pregnant
Zika has been linked to neurological disorders and birth defects in Latin America.
Organisation says level of alarm is “extremely high”

The World Health Organisation are calling together an ‘Emergency Committee’ on the Zika virus, which has been linked to neurological disorders and birth defects in Latin America.

The committee will meet on Monday 1 February in Geneva to ascertain whether the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

At a briefing in Geneva, WHO director general Margaret Chan said that the level of alarm was “extremely high” and that the arrival of the virus in some cases has been “associated with a steep increase in the birth of babies with abnormally small heads.”

She outlined four main reasons for the alarm: “First, the possible association of infection with birth malformations and neurological syndromes. Second, the potential for further international spread given the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector. Third, the lack of population immunity in newly affected areas. Fourth, the absence of vaccines, specific treatment, and the absence of rapid diagnostic tests.”

She added that this years’ El Nino weather pattern is expected to greatly increase mosquito populations in many areas.

“For all these reasons, I have decided to convene an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulation,” she said.

Zika has spread to 21 countries in the Americas (as of 23 January, 2016) since it was first reported last year.

The virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are present in all of the Americas except Canada and continental Chile, meaning the virus is likely to spread further.

Decision concerning the Committees membership and advice will be made public on WHO’s website.

 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.