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Four-eared rescue cat finds a home
batman
"Just when you think you've seen it all, a four-eared cat comes in the door!"

'Batman' has four ears due to a rare genetic mutation

A four-eared rescue cat named Batman has found internet fame and a new home in Pennsylvania.

The young cat was taken to the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society as his owner could no longer care for him.

Batman's unusual looks are down to a rarely seen genetic mutation, which has been documented as far back as 1938 in Ohio. It is thought to be a recessive gene mutation that is required from both the mother and father in order to produce four ears.

The society's managing director Hala Nuemah commented: "As an open door shelter, we take in and care for any animal brought to us. Just when you think you've seen it all, a four-eared cat comes in the door!"

Despite his unusual looks, three-year-old Batman has been adopted by a loving new owner in Pennsylvania after spending a month at the shelter. Initially he was not ready to be rehomed as he was undergoing treatment for an upper respiratory tract infection.

Caitlin Lasky, the society's marketing communications manager, told ABC News that Batman had been adopted by a young girl and her mother. "It was fitting because the little girl like superheroes," she added. 

 

Image © Western PA Humane Society

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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Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November.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.