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National Cat Awards to include Vet of the Year category
Last year's winner Zebby with his owner Genevieve Moss.
Nominations open on 13 February.

This year’s National Cat Awards, organised by Cats Protection, will include a Vet of the Year category for the first time.

When nominations open on Tuesday, 13 February, cat owners and colleagues will have the chance to nominate veterinary surgeons who have provided outstanding cat care.

There are also four categories for owners to nominate their cat:
  • Family cats – For cats who provide companionship, amusement, or comfort and support when times are tough
  • Incredible cats – Recognising cats who have done something heroic or extraordinary, such as surviving against the odds or saving a life
  • Senior cats: Celebrating cats older than 11 years
  • Connected cats: For cats that make people smile, whether on social media or in the local community.
The winners will be announced during a ceremony in London on 18 September. The Cat of the Year 2024 will be selected from the four feline category winners.

Last year, Zebby, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, won the overall award in recognition of the support he provides his deaf owner.
 
Catherine Cottrell, Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards organiser, said: “We’ve launched this new award to recognise the amazing contribution of vets across the country who make a difference to the quality of cats’ lives.

"Whether they’ve embarked on studies or research to improve understanding of feline medicine, gone out of their way to help a cat in need, or shown outstanding care in complex or difficult situations, we want to celebrate their dedication and skill.”

Nominations will close at noon on Tuesday, 26 March.

Image © Cats Protection

 

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New guidelines published for wildlife disease surveillance

News Story 1
 A set of international guidelines for disease surveillance in wildlife has been updated for the first time since 2015.

Released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the World Organisation for Animal Health, General Guidelines for Surveillance of Diseases, Pathogens and Toxic Agents in Free-ranging Wildlife is designed to help wildlife authorities and others working with wildlife carry out effective surveillance programmes.

The document, which cover areas including choosing appropriate strategies, safety and biosafety protocols, and ethical and legal considerations, can be read here.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Restricted zone extended after more bluetongue cases

After three new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 were detected along the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border, the restricted zone has been extended.

The zone now includes Buckinghamshire and part of Berkshire, as well as Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, part of Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

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. In Northern Ireland, suspected cases should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

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