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Natural protection against rabies found
Indication that some humans are naturally resistant to rabies

A study in a remote community in the Peruvian Amazon has given scientists new light on rabies disease. Results showed that regular exposure to vampire bats is the key to natural resistance in humans.

Ten per cent of people tested showed a resistance to the rabies disease, without any prior medical intervention. Before now, it has always been presumed that rabies infections give a 100 per cent fatality rate.

The study suggests those who have been regularly exposed to the disease have built up a natural form of immunity to rabies. Results would be expected to differ depending upon location - those communities with exposure to vampire bats being more resistant than those without exposure.

These findings of the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were published yesterday in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

'This means there may be ways to develop effective treatments that can save lives in areas where rabies remains a persistent cause of death,' said Amy Gilbert, member of the CDC and lead author of the journal.

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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.