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New strain of feline coronavirus reaches UK
The BVA is calling for import testing measures to be introduced.
BVA has called the development “highly concerning”.

The first case in the UK of a new strain of feline coronavirus (FCoV-23) that has led to the deaths of at least 8,000 cats from feline infectious peritonitis in Cyprus has been confirmed.

The cat, which had been imported from Cyprus, is under quarantine and receiving treatment. There is no evidence that the virus has spread to any other cats in the UK.

FCoV-23 started spreading in January this year through the large stray cat population in Cyprus, which is estimated to be as large as 1.5 million. Reports in the summer suggested that as many as 300,000 cats had died on the island, although the actual figure is now believed to be around 8,000.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh are working on sequencing the new strain. It is thought that it is spreading between cats through faecal-oral transmission, although this is yet to be confirmed.

BVA president Anna Judson said: “The arrival of FCoV-23 in the UK is highly concerning, but so far this looks to be an isolated case in an imported cat, and action has been taken to minimise any spread of the virus.

“There is no known risk to people but pet owners should remain vigilant, because the virus can cause feline infectious peritonitis, which if left untreated can be fatal to cats. If owners have any concerns about their pet, they should speak to their vet immediately.

“The discovery of FCoV-23, combined with the increasing cases of Brucella canis from dogs arriving on our shores, shows the UK is seriously vulnerable to imported diseases. The Government needs to grasp the nettle on this crucial issue by introducing the long overdue import testing measures BVA has been calling for.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November.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

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA survey investigates sheep worrying

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched its latest survey to better understand the severity of sheep worrying in the UK.

The survey will be open until Friday, 21 February 2025. UK sheep farmers are invited to share their experiences of sheep worrying by dogs and its impact on the industry.

NSA has been gathering information about sheep worrying for over 10 years as part of its campaign to raise awareness of incidents and produce new ways of educating the public.

Sheep worrying, often caused by dogs being loose near fields, can result in physical injury, miscarriage and death of animals affected.

The results of the survey will be shared with interested parties, including the UK press, before spring and ahead of lambing season next year.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit NSA's website.