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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.