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WSAVA issues advice to combat disease risk confusion
Professor Micahel Day
Professor Michael Day, chair of the WSAVA's One Health Committee, during a visit to India.

Influenza outbreak in India is causing pet owners concern

The One Health Committee of The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has issued an advisory notice to help veterinary surgeons in India educate their clients about the risks of disease transmission between pets and humans.

The country is currently experiencing an upsurge in the occurrence of human pandemic A (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus A infection. Over 300,000 cases have been reported in the outbreak so far, with almost 2,000 people having lost their lives.

The outbreak is causing concern amongst many pet owners, who are starting to question whether it is possible to contract the infection from companion animals and whether they should give them up to protect their family.

The influenza virus originates from swine, which spreads to people and is now transmitted primarily through human-to-human contact. The cause of the concern stems from studies which have demonstrated that the virus can be transmitted to companion animals.

WSAVA say that some owners are worried about the risk to their pet should a human member of the household contract the virus, but many more are worrying that they might contract the virus from their pet.  However, evidence shows that humans are far more likely to catch the virus from an infected person than from an animals.

Professor Michael Day, chairman of the One Health Committee, said:  "Protecting human health is paramount but, in reality, the risk to people of being infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus by their pets is extremely small and not a case for relinquishing family pets.  On the contrary, we are concerned about the welfare consequences for thousands of animals if their owners turn them out inappropriately."

"We hope our Advisory Notice will be of value to veterinarians in India - and potentially in other countries too - by giving them the information they need to educate and reassure their clients effectively."

Image (C) WSAVA

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.