Toxoplasmosis spread from cats to humans requires investigation
Toxoplasmosis is caused by toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite which can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with cats or contaminated food.
The disease is often asymptomatic with only two in ten people displaying symptoms. However pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
Owners can prevent toxoplasmosis by using gloves when changing their cats’ litter tray and taking other basic health precautions.
For more information on toxoplasmosis visit Vetstream Felis.
Gene responsible for idiopathic epilepsy in Belgian Shepherds located
Genetic factors are responsible for 40% of epilepsy cases but both the veterinary and human medical professions have identified very few of them. The discovery of the gene in canine chromosome 37 represents a significant development in the understanding of idiopathic epilepsy.
The study was only conducted on Belgian Shepherds and an existing genetic predisposition to epilepsy has not been ruled out. Regardless, the results could prove crucial in our understanding of underlying genetic conditions.
The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys officially merges with The Donkey Sanctuary
The merge comes in a move to save administrative costs, and because the two charities complement one another so well.
Donkeys assist in therapy for children with additional needs and the elderly, and at the same time the donkeys are looked after and cared for by the people they help.
Activated B-Cell Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL) can trigger spontaneously and is a common immune-system cancer that can develop very quickly.
A key treatment option in dogs is to inhibit aberrant pathways to prevent constant production of lymphocites. Chemotherapy in these cases, unfortunately, has a high chance of resulting in a relapse.
Inhibiting key pathways is a treatment that could be applied to humans, and is another example of comparative medicine as promoted by organisations such as The Roslin Institute, making research of these treatments crucial.
The deadly Hendra virus continues to terrorise horses, their owners and vets in Australia in what is now considered a national epidemic. The virus which originates from flying foxes is transmissable to humans from horses and has claimed the lives of vets already.
12 horses have tested positive for the infection since June, with quarantines being extended to lock the disease down. A vaccine will not be available until a year: far too late to assist in the current crisis. TheHorseVet.com has the story up to this point. Cairns Vet also have case by case analysis of each infection.
An outbreak of Hendra in Queensland, Australia has left two stables quarantined. Hendra is transmissible from horses to humans and is thought to originate from contamination of drinking water by fruit bats.
Of the 7 infected humans, 2 vets have died so far attempting to treat the deadly virus. The virus presents a wide number of symptoms and, as shown, can be fatal.
A new £60m purpose-built centre has been unveiled for The Roslin Institute today. World leading researchers from The Roslin Institute carry out vital research on immunology and infectious disease, clinical sciences, genetics and genomics, developmental biology and diseases affecting the nervous system. The institute places a focus on comparative medicine, producing treatments for both animals and humans.
The Roslin Institute is incorporated with the Royal School of Veterinary Studies and is one of the leading veterinary schools in the UK
Read more for full details on the new facility and a full statement from The Roslin Institute.
A team took close-up footage of captive chimps giving birth, which revealed that the newborn emerges from the birth canal facing away from the mother. Scientists had believed that this birth position evolved in the primate ancestors of modern humans. These findings could refute that theory. The researchers filmed three live births for their study, [...]
