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Scottish wildcat interbreeding recent phenomenon, studies find
“It is clear that hybridisation is a result of modern threats common to many of our native species” – Jo Howard-McCombe.
The species mostly avoided domestic cats until about 60 years ago.

Two newly published studies have revealed that European wildcats in Scotland did not begin to significantly interbreed with domestic cats until the mid 20th century.

The researchers, based at universities in the UK and Germany, looked at the genome sequences of 48 modern cats and samples from 258 historic cats found at 85 archaeological sites.

They found that although domestic cats have been living in Britain for more than 2,000 years, until 1956 no individual wildcats in Scotland had more than approximately 5 per cent domestic cat ancestry.

Since then, the proportion of domestic cat ancestry has rapidly increased. In modern individuals, the proportion ranged from 11 per cent to 74 per cent.

However, the research revealed that the captive wildcat population, established in the 1960s, has avoided interbreeding to the same extent, with an average domestic cat ancestry of 18 per cent.

The amount of hybridisation is important for conservationists. Although wildcats are a legally protected species in the UK, the protection does not extend to hybrid cats.

The researchers have suggested that the sudden increase in interbreeding may have been due to the decline in numbers of wildcats meaning they had reduced opportunities to mate with other wildcats.

Jo Howard-McCombe, of the University of Bristol, said: “It is clear that hybridisation is a result of modern threats common to many of our native species.

"Habitat loss and persecution have pushed wildcats to the brink of extinction in Britain.

"It is fascinating that we can use genetic data to look back at their population history, and use what we have learnt to protect Scottish wildcats.”

The two studies have been published in Current Biology.

Image © Shutterstock

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."