Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RSPCA reports risks of unvaccinated cats
A litter of kittens died of parvovirus because their mother was unvaccinated.
Not enough cats are vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

The RSPCA has urged cat owners to vaccinate their pets, as some centres report increased intake of cats with infectious disease.

The charity's Manchester & Salford Branch says that, since the beginning of this year, it has seen more animals come into its care with infectious disease than ever before.

Statistics released from the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report 2024 revealed that 65 per cent of cats in the UK were receiving regular vaccinations. This means there are not enough cats being vaccinated to maintain 'herd immunity' against dangerous diseases.

RSPCA says low vaccination rates, as well as poor animal husbandry, is resulting in more cats struggling with infectious diseases. This has led to an increase in such cases at the centre.

One such case is Gilda, a stray cat who was brought into the RSPCA centre with her litter of newborn kittens. A veterinary examination revealed that Gilda was suffering gastrointestinal issues, and that the whole family was suffering from parvovirus. She and her kittens died from their infection.

The charity has said that Gilda and her kittens' deaths could have been prevented with a parvovirus vaccination, which is given to kittens at eight weeks and is considered effective.

A similar case was also presented when another cat, Ginola, was brought into the centre with his littermates. All of the cats were diagnosed with a severe case of calcivirus, which resulted in Ginola's littermates being euthanised to prevent them suffering.

If the cats had received the calcivirus at six to eight weeks old, they are likely to have survived.

Susie Hughes, RSPCA Manchester & Salford Branch manager, said: “We are sadly seeing a real increase in these unwell cats coming into our care with infectious diseases.

“This is putting a huge strain on our resources and very sadly, these poor animals cannot always be saved. We would urge owners to do their bit to help - by vaccinating their cats and ensuring they receive regular, timely boosters to prevent these unnecessary illnesses.”

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.