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Can ebola spread from pets to humans?
dog with owner
It is not known whether dogs and cats can become infected with the ebola virus, or transmit it to humans.
Experts assess the risks in a new report

A report on the risks of ebola being transmitted between pets and people in Europe has highlighted significant gaps in knowledge.

There is thought to be a very low risk of pet dogs or cats being exposed to the ebola virus through contact with infected people in Europe, as those affected are typically isolated promptly. This is according to experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The report exposes many gaps in the available knowledge and data, however. For instance, the risk of pets becoming infected with ebola after contact with symptomatic humans ranges from low to high depending on the type of symptoms and contact.

Additionally, there is high uncertainty about clinical signs of ebola in pets and indeed whether dogs and cats can become infected with the virus, or transmit it to humans.

The likelihood of human exposure to the virus through contact with pets is also said to be "difficult to estimate".

Experts recommend veterinary and public health authorities work together to assess the risk of human-to-pet and pet-to-human transmission on a case by case basis. In making these assessments, they should consider the type of contact and the stage of infection.

Further work on ebola is expected in the coming months. EFSA and ECDC will assist the European Commission in its assessment of the factors driving transmission of ebola from animals to humans in West Africa. EFSA is also expected to advise on the risks of consuming raw meat from affected African countries.

For the full report, visit: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/141204a.htm

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.