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Pet reptiles may be "reservoirs" of Campylobacter
bearded dragon
Scientists found 7.3 per cent of reptiles tested positive for fetus or hyointestinalis.
Scientists assess the risk of Campylobacter species to reptile owners

Scientists say the risk of Campylobacter infection should be considered by those keeping reptiles as companion animals.

Research published in the Veterinary Record (Vol 174 No 19) suggests pet reptiles could be potential reservoirs of Campylobacter fetus and C hyointestinalis  - and therefore may be a source of human infection.

Scientists from the University of Padua, Italy, collected 109 cloacal swabs from captive reptiles during 2011. Samples were taken from Chelonians, lizards and snakes kept in a zoo and a further 67 animals from private households in Northern Italy.

According to the report in Vet Record, 7.3 per cent of reptiles tested positive for the C fetus sub-species fetus, or C hyointestinalis sub-species hyointestinalis. All snakes tested negative.

These species are known to be pathogenic to people, and C fetus is reported to cause gastroenteritis, septicaemia and disseminated infections.

The report states that C hyointestinalis has been isolated from humans and animals and is known to cause gastroenteritis and septicaemia in humans.

Scientists say more research is needed to determine the distribution of the Campylobacter species, the rate of excretion in reptiles and the risk to humans.

To read the report, see Veterinary Record May 10, 2014, Vol 174 No 19, pp.479, Pet Reptiles as potential reservoirs of Campylobacter species with zoonotic potential

 

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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