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New guidance on zoonotic diseases
Report advises caution with exotic pets

A new report published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine has warned that hospitals should pay greater attention to zoonotic diseases.

Authors of the report - "Managing patients for zoonotic disease in the hospital environment" - say animal-related pandemics have been highlighted as a major threat to human health on a global scale.

Keeping exotic pets was identified as a particular risk to human health, alongside travelling abroad, visiting petting zoos and other sources.

The guidance within the report warns against keeping exotic pets due to the difficulties of guarding against infection in the home, though it states that hand-washing with the correct chemicals could "significantly reduce" the amount of germs on your hands.

This, however, does not guarantee protection against infection or ensure that germs are not spread to others.

Co-author Susan Corning, director of Collaborating for Global Health, said: "Given that many human diseases are of animal origin, our article highlights the importance of the early recognition of zoonoses by medical personnel in order to minimise their spread, including within the hospital environment.

"This is a true 'One Health' issue, and there is an urgent need for the medical and veterinary professions to collaboratively plan to ensure that hospital staff can implement simple and effective measures to prevent and control zoonoses."

In the report, authors give a protocol for hospitals to manage patients, and information leaflets on how to prevent the spread of animal-related diseases.

It is thought that zoonoses may commonly go undiagnosed due to their resemblance to common illnesses such as gastrointestinal, respiratory and dermal disease.

Finally the guidance concludes: "Local authorities, doctors, vets, and facility managers should advise their patients and customers of the health risks associated with having an exotic animal as a family pet and should provide appropriate health protection advice."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.