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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th December 2022
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Study pinpoints origins of feline domestication
Analysis indicated a pattern of dispersal outwards from regions such as the Levant and the Nile Valley.
Genetic analysis displays link between farming and feline migration.

A study from the University of Missouri has helped to identify the first domestication of cats using genetic analysis.

Feline geneticist Professor Leslie A. Lyons collected and analysed DNA from cats in and around the Fertile Crescent – the areas surrounding the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the Middle East.

Nearly 10,000 years ago, humans settling in the Fertile Crescent made the first switch from hunter-gatherers to farmers, and there developed close bonds with the cats, who would eat the rodents.

Analysing the DNA collected, the study found that this lifestyle transition was the catalyst for the domestication of cats. 

Comparing nearly 200 different genetic markers in DNA from cats in and around the Fertile Crescent area, as well as throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, researchers surmised that cats were likely first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent, and then migrated with humans across the world.

Explaining the study, Professor Lyons said: “One of the DNA main markers we studied were microsatellites, which mutate very quickly and give us clues about recent cat populations and breed developments over the past few hundred years.

“Another key DNA marker we examined were single nucleotide polymorphisms, which are single-based changes all throughout the genome that give us clues about their ancient history several thousands of years ago. 

“By studying and comparing both markers, we can start to piece together the evolutionary story of cats.”

Published in Hereditary, 'Genetics of randomly bred cats support the cradle of cat domestication being in the Near East' is open access. 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.