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Vets warned over rise in feline cowpox cases
Vet with ungloved hand near lesion
"In every photo I've been sent of cats with lesions, not one of the vets has been wearing gloves and that really does worry me." (photo courtesy of
Danièlle Gunn-Moore)
Gloves should be worn to protect against zoonosis, professor warns

Veterinary surgeons are being urged to protect themselves after a reported rise in the number of feline cowpox cases across the UK.
 
At a meeting of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases (ISCAID) in Bristol last month, several clinicians noted the atypical severity of of skin lesions in a number of cases seen across the UK this year.
 
Cowpox cases generally peak in autumn when there are the greatest number of reservoir hosts, which include bank voles, field voles and wood mice. It most commonly enters the skin through a bite wound from an infected rodent.

Prof Gunn-Moore is concerned that veterinary surgeons could be putting themselves at risk of becoming infected.
Generally cats present with a small ulcerated skin lesion, followed by a rash of further lesions that spontaneously resolve. However, cases now appear to be presenting with large areas of focal dermal necrosis and/or extensive erythema and oedema.
 
Danièlle Gunn-Moore, a professor of feline medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said PCR testing of the hard necrotic material also suggests the areas are highly infectious.
 
Prof Gunn-Moore is concerned that veterinary surgeons could be putting themselves at risk of becoming infected.

pox lesions
Cases now appear to be presenting with large areas of focal dermal necrosis and/or extensive erythema and oedema. (photo courtesy of Julia Henken)
"In every photo I've been sent of cats with lesions, not one of the vets has been wearing gloves and that really does worry me."
 
For those that are not immunosuppressed it may only cause pockmarks which will scar, she said, but for those who are asthmatic, atopic, have eczema or are immune compromised, infection could cause serious illness and even prove fatal.
 
Professor Gunn-Moore is advising vets to wear gloves during the autumn when treating cats, especially those with skin lesions. If there is any wetness and/or coughing in addition to the lesions, a mask should also be worn.

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.