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Reptiles linked to 27 per cent of Salmonella cases
bearded dragon
Patients with reptile-associated Salmonella were more likely to be hospitalised.
New research finds severity of disease is higher in reptile-associated cases

More than 25 per cent of Salmonella cases in children under five are reptile-associated, new research suggests. The severity of the illness is also likely to be higher in cases linked to reptiles.

Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood looks at cases of salmonellosis in children in South West England.

Led by Dr Dan Murphy from Royal Cornwall Hospital, researchers analysed cases reported to public health authorities from January 2010 to December 2013.

Out of 127 cases, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of Salmonella patients had been exposed to reptiles.

The median age for reptile-associated (RAS) cases was six months, compared to one year for non-RAS cases.

Patients with RAS Salmonella were also found to be 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalised.

Furthermore,  significantly more RAS cases had an invasive form of disease. Out of 48 cases, five had bacteraemia, two had meningitis and one had colitis. This is compared to the non-RAS cases, where three had bacteraemia and one had meningitis.

Salmonella causes vomiting and diarrhoea which can last for months in some cases. While it is not usually life-threatening, complications can arise in the very young, very old, or immune-compromised.

It can be carried in the gut of reptiles and shed in the droppings. Bacteria quickly spreads over the skin and can contaminate anything the reptile comes into contact with.

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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.