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Secret Life of Cats sparks sales boom

Amazon reports soaring sales of pet tracking devices

Following BBC Two's recent Secret Life of Cats broadcast, it seems the nation's pet owners are eager to find out what their own furry friends get up to in secret.

Amazon's newly released G-PAWS GPS Data Recorder, which went on sale on June 15, has seen a 350 per cent increase in pre-orders since the programme aired on June 13.

The Secret Life of Cats revealed the findings of researchers at the University of Lincoln, who studied the activities of 50 cats over a 24-hour period, using GPS collars and cat-cams.

The device from Amazon also uses GPS technology to track the movements of cats and dogs, allowing owners to observe their wanderings online, from an aerial or street-level map.

"Pet GPS tracking devices are a fun way to find out about the secret lives of your pets," said Xavier Garambois, Vice President of EU Retail at Amazon.

Paul Dore from Amazon's Pet Supplies store, added: "Interest in GPS devices for animals has recently soared. This is the fastest pre-ordering pet technology item we have had in the store to date."

 

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The secret life of cats

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

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Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.