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Cats Protection shares cat flu warning
Cherrim and Hattrem were allowed to roam freely outside from a young age, and had received no veterinary care.

Charity stresses importance of vaccination.

Cats Protection is reminding owners of the importance of getting their cats vaccinated, after some kittens in the charity's care almost lost their eyes due to cat flu.

Brought into Cats Protection's Cornwall Adoption Centre with three other siblings from their litter, four-month-old Cherrim and Hattrem came in with cat flu, and their eyes were so badly inflamed that it was thought the kittens would have to have them removed.

Manager of the Cornwall Centre, Samantha Lawton, shared that pet owners aren't always informed about the consequences of cat flu, and the importance of vaccination: “We’re not sure many people realise that cats can catch flu and that it can be life threatening.

“Hattrem and Cherrim were lucky we got to them in time and their sight was saved. Often it’s too late and the poor cat has to live with only one eye or none at all.”

Cherrim had to be operated on for entropion, as his eyelids had turned inwards.

The charity is informing owners that the easiest way to prevent the impact of severe cat flu is to get their cats vaccinated, which, it stresses, does not prevent cats from catching it, but helps to prevent symptom severity.

Sarah Elliott, central veterinary officer of Cats Protection, explained: “Like humans, cats most likely to be worse affected are the very young, very old or those with a damaged immune system, as they find it more difficult to fight off infections. 

“Although the symptoms might be similar, humans can’t catch cat flu but it’s highly contagious between cats. 

“So, if you have more than one cat, it’s really important to keep them all vaccinated and, if one of your cats gets flu, make sure you wash the bedding and bowls they use thoroughly to help reduce the chances of spreading the flu between the cats.”

The charity is signposting cat owners to its website, which features a webpage on cat flu, for further information on the illness and the importance of vaccinations.

 

Image (C) Cats Protection

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.