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Indoor cat study to look at joint disease
"... participants will help us to identify the earliest signs of joint disease.”
Activity monitors will be used to track mobility 

Bristol vets are seeking indoor cats to take part in a new study, looking at the impact of joint disease on activity levels.

Researchers from Bristol Veterinary School are planning to use activity monitors to measure the activity of cats with and without mobility problems, to improve understanding of joint disease.

Dr Emily Blackwell said: “By taking part in the study participants will help us to identify the earliest signs of joint disease which could make a difference to the lives of millions of cats in the future.”

The Feline Activity Study is part of ‘Bristol Cats’, a longitudinal project that launched in 2010. It follows the lives of over 2,000 cats to advance scientists’ understanding of common behaviour problems and diseases.

Cats participating in the activity study must be happy to meet and be stroked by strangers. They should be over six years of age, kept indoors and live within one or two hours’ drive from Bristol. They should not be on any pain medication.

The owners of the cats (aged 18 or over) will be required to complete two 15-minute questionnaires. Researchers will visit the cat at home and carry out a gentle examination of its joints. The animal will need to wear a breakaway collar with a light activity monitor attached for two weeks.

For more information view the Facebook page or contact Evelyn Maniaki on cat-study@bristol.ac.uk

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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.