Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Chief mouser Larry to remain at No. 10
Larry with David Cameron and Barack Obama
David Cameron introduced Larry to US president Barack Obama at Downing Street in 2011.

Larry fans relieved as cabinet office confirms the cat will stay

In a time of intense political uncertainty, animal lovers are rejoicing at the news that Downing Street's chief mouser, Larry the cat, will remain at No.10 after current Prime Minister David Cameron steps down.

Mr Cameron is preparing to tender his resignation to the Queen later on today, after which Theresa May will take his place.

Larry fans were understandably concerned about the feline's future in office. Early this week, an unofficial Twitter profile for the cat tweeted: 'One final thing before they'll let you have the job @TheresaMay2016 - tell the people you'll keep me in Number 10.'

Putting fears at rest, a cabinet office spokeswoman said: "It's a civil servant's cat and does not belong to the Camerons - he will be staying."

National treasure Larry was rehomed from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 due to concerns about the rat problem at No. 10, but his career in politics has often been marked by accusations that he spends more time napping than rat catching.

Larry is the first feline to hold the post of chief mouser since Humphrey, who was appointed in 1989 after wandering into No.10 as a stray and retired after eight years in office.

Image by White House photographer Pete Souza

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.