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SARS may have originated in bats, study finds
Chinese horseshoe bats responsible for pandemic, scientists say

New research published in the journal, Nature, has confirmed horseshoe bats in China as the origin of the SARS-CoV pandemic in 2002-3.

During the pandemic, 774 of the 8094 people around the world who became infected were killed by the virus.

While researchers have previously shown that bats are natural reservoirs for SARS-like coronaviruses (CoV), they have never before been confirmed as the virus' origin.

A research team led by Professor Shi Zhengli from the Wuham Institute of Virology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, isolated a SARS-like CoV from the faecal samples of Chinese horseshoe bats.

According to scientists, these bats have an important ecological role and are found around the globe.

Researchers say their findings will help governments design more effective prevention strategies for SARS and similar epidemics.

In addition, insights into the role of horseshoe bats in transmitting SARS-CoV highlight the importance of protecting this species natural environment, ensuring that they are not forced into highly populated urban areas for food.

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk