Miscellaneous: Animal Health Information and Careers
SUMMARIES OF MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES ON ANIMAL HEALTH AND
CARE
We've given you two headlines, the first (in blue)
being the original, and the second (in red) aims to be a more informative
headline, so you can gain an idea of what the article is about more quickly.
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Superbug's source
Feeding antibiotics to livestock can affect human health
source: New Scientist vol 213 no 2853, February 25 2012 p4
A type of MRSA, or antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus aurea, probably became resistant when it affected livestock. The ST398 strain was first recorded in 2003, and is found in animals in the USA. The bug can cause sepsis and skin infection in humans who have contact with infected animals, though humans do not catch it from other humans. Paul Keim and team from Phoenix Arizona's Translational Genomics Research Institute have sequenced MRSA and other S aurea genomes. They have found that ST398 may have originated as a harmless bacteria initially colonising humans, and then livestock. It developed antibiotic resistance in livestock which were given antibiotics. The dosing of livestock with antibiotics on a large scale could encourage antibiotic resistance, microbiologists fear. Only a small proportion of antibiotics is covered by recent restrictions on their usage in the USA.
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If it ain't sick, don't cure it
FDA restricts usage of some preventive antibiotics on farms
source: New Scientist vol 213 no 2847, January 14 2012 p4
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a restriction on the usage of some antibiotics to prevent illness in farm animals, due to the risk of generating bugs affecting humans, with resistance to drugs. The restrictions will affect cephalosporin usage. Critics argue that cephalosporin accounts for 0.2% of farm antibiotic usage, and are concerned about penicillin and tetracycline usage, which the FDA planned to tackle in 1977. The FDA claims it has focused on voluntary action by farmers, and that it is still concerned about the issue.
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Evaluation of probiotics as a substitute for antibiotics in a large pig nursery
Probiotics can perform as well as antibiotics to promote pig growth
source: S.K. Kritas and R.B. Morrison
Veterinary Record vol 156 no 14, April 2 2005
starts p447, 2 pages long
Antibiotics are often used to promote growth in pigs, but there has been concern about antibiotic resistence transferring to human pathogens, as well as drug residues in food. This has led to tighter controls of antibiotic usage, and interest in probiotics as an alternative. Probiotics are yeast or bacteria cultures used to equilibrate intestinal flora. They may help to stimulate immune systems, and may compete with harmful flora in the gut, so help control some diseases caused by E.coli. A study in Minnesota focused on a farm with 1,600 sows. Piglets were given low doses of antibiotics to prevent post-weaning diarrhoea linked to E.coli. A probiotic with Bacillus subtilis and Bacillis licheniformis was used in place of the antibiotics for one treatment group, while the other received their normal antibiotics. The results in terms of body weight and cost per pig and bodyweight kg were not significantly different, nor was there a difference in mortality
rates. Pigs can do as well on probiotics as on antibiotics in high-health status farming units, allowing antibiotics to be used to prevent or treat more serious conditions.
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Animal health and welfare
DEFRA issues animal health and welfare plan
Source: Veterinary Record vol 153 no 25, December 20 2003 p765
The United Kingdom's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(DEFRA) has issued a plan for animal health and welfare, which covers a range
of issues, including infectious diseases that can be passed between domestic
animals and those that can be caught by humans, as well as the Pet Travel
Scheme, and the sale of veterinary medicines. The aim is for consultation
with groups interested in these issues, such as vets, animal keepers, and
other stakeholders. DEFRA invites comments from interested parties.
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Should I get my pets tested for MRSA?
MRSA not seen as a significant risk for pet owners
Source: Alok Jha
Guardian Life supplement December 18 2003 p3
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus (MRSA) has been found in 12 animals
in Britain, including dogs, cats and a rabbit, by researchers from the Health
Protection Agency, London, England. This is not seen as likely to cause significant
problems for humans or their pets. MRSA infections generally occur in nursing
homes and hospitals, affecting some 7,000 people annually in Britain. The
bacteria usually infects through open wounds, and is generally only a problem
for people who do not have strong immune systems, such as newborns, the aged,
and people who have just had operations. Infections cannot easily be treated
with antibiotics.
Microbiologist, Brian Spratt, from Imperial College, England, notes that
the strains of MRSA affecting hospital patients tend to differ from those
found outside in the community. British Veterinary Association president,
Tim Greet, notes that pets can pass on a number of infections to owners, and
many of these probably have greater significance than the possibility of catching
an MRSA infection from a pet. Washing hands after playing with pets is a sensible
precaution, he notes.
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'Hosptal superbug' MRSA spreads to animals
MRSA found on twelve animals
source: Jo Revill
Observer December 14 2003 p1
Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacteria which kills
around 5,000 people a year. Around a third of people carry the bacteria, and
do not show ill-effects, but newborn children, elderly people, and those who
have just been operated on can be affected, as can people whose immune systems
are not working properly. The bacteria has been found on 12 animals, which
has led to concerns that humans could become infected from pets. The findings
came at the Health Protection Centre, London, England, which looked at samples
from a rabbit, cats and dogs. The pets came from across the UK, so the bacteria
is not localised. Cases have also been found of animals carrying the bacteria
in the US. The reason for the spread of the bacteria may be the over-usage
of a strong anti-biotic called quinoline. The British Veterinary Association
has stressed that pet owners should wash their hands on a regular basis, and
should not be panicked into giving up their pets.
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Dealing with the fat cats
Obesity in pets
Source: Justine Hankins
Guardian Weekend September 13 2003 p69
Around a half of cats and dogs in Britain are thought to be overweight, and
this can lead to kidney disease and diabetes in cats, and arthritis and heart
disease in dogs. Fat rabbits are more prone to strokes and breathing problems,
and fat horses are more prone to laminitis.
Pets should have a visible waist, and it should be possible to feel their
ribs. Pets need sensible diets, and they also need exercise. Toys, such as
cotton reels, can help cats to enjoy exercise, while rabbits, ferrets and
guinea pigs need large runs. Most dogs need to walk for an hour a day, minimum.
Owners and dogs benefit, though a gradual start is needed for inactive dogs
and owners. Activities with dogs, such as agility and frisbee games, can be
more enjoyable than visits to the gym.
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Assessing the impact of fear, anxiety and boredom in animals
RSPCA meeting on animal health and welfare
source: Veterinary Record vol 152 no 21, May 24 2003
starts p639, 2 pages long
The RSPCA has held a meeting in London, England, to examine animal welfare
and the emotional wellbeing of pets and domestic animals. Corticosteroids
and other substances can be measured to assess how animals respond to stimuli,
but this only tells part of the story. It also helps to look at animals' behaviour
and expression, to give a fuller picture.
University of Birmingham's David Morton argues that anthropomorphism can
help in predicting how animals might feel. A situation that might leave humans
scared, bored or stressed could have the same effect on other animals. Stifling
the normal behaviour of an animal is not good for animal welfare, whilst providing
a novel environment does enhance welfare. Welfare is a concept which involves
more than ensuring that animals are healthy. Meanwhile, Bristol University's
Chris Sherwin noted that laboratory animals have colour preferences for cages,
which should be taken into account to help them achieve happiness.
Pet dogs may suffer separation anxiety when left alone, noted University
of Southampton's John Bradshaw. Dogs and cats need to be exposed to different
sorts of stimuli while they are puppies and kittens, since this improves their
emotional wellbeing.
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How do you measure quality of life?
Ethical and welfare issues relating to vet treatments
source: Veterinary Record vol 153 no 2, July 12 2003
starts p37, 2 pages long
The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation has discussed how quality of life can be
defined and measured in animals. There is agreement on basic requirements,
such as food, security, and even companionship, but humans may have concerns
that are not shred by other animals. Recreation may not be an important need,
for example. A subjective element is likely when people talk of the quality
of life.
University of Birmingham's David Morton noted ethical aspects of this issue,
for example in whether surgery is appropriate, and whether animals in shelfters
should be used to help vets practice skills to become better surgeons. He
argues that the values of different societies mean that views of the quality
of life can vary from one society to another, and that it is important to
assess the costs and benefits for the animals involved, when considering treatment.
The impact of treatments on owners was also considered, as was the role of
euthanasia. Some vets see euthanasia as signalling failure, while others see
it as valuable in alleviating suffering.
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Animals use nature to heal themselves
Self-medication in the animal kingdom
Source: Robin McKie
Observer January 26 2003 p13
Researchers have discovered that animals often self-medicate to get rid of
poisons, parasites or other infections. Capuchin monkeys use millipedes that
contain insecticides called benzoquinones. They rub the millipedes on their
fur. Chimpanzees eat pith from a plant called Vernonia amygdalina, which is
toxic for intestinal worms. Dogs can also tell when owners are ill, for example
if they are about to suffer an epileptic fit. Cindy Engel has published a
work called 'Wild Health', and notes that mountain gorillas are among animals
that eat clay, a substance that can absorb pathogens and toxins. The Wildlife
Conservation Society's William Karesh has found that most wild animals can
survive a range of infections which are more likely to be fatal in domestic
animals. Kenyan elephants have also been found to eat sodium-rich rock, that
they grind before swallowing. This helps to provide a defence against toxins
found in some plants they consume.
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Consider her ways
Self-medication in wild and domestic animals
source: Cindy Engel
New Scientist February 23 2002
starts p42, 4 pages long
Zoopharmacognosy is the scence of animal self-medication, that has developed
since 1944, when scientists interesting in this area began to co-operate.
Rats may eat clay to rid themselves of toxins, and observers may not be able
to ascertain whether a rat is seeking to cure, or to prevent illness. Self-medication
may be unconscious in humans and other animals. Colobus monkeys may learn
to eat charcoal to neutralise plant toxins, with their mothers as teachers.
Apes, bears and geese use rough-leaved plants to scour themselves of parasites.
Domestic animals may self-medicate, for example, cattle may ingest clay, which
helps them to combat diarrhhoea.
Non-nutrients may be important for human health. Some herbs can act as anti-oxidants.
There are lessons that pharmaceutical companies could learn, though many animal
remedies are mechanical, and cannot easily be patented.
There is work being carried out in a number of fields on how animals can
self-medicate. Some studies focus on domestic animals and their ability to
self-medicate for pain, while other work focuses on cultural and evolutionary
aspects of self-medication in primates. It is worth drawing together the research
in this area.
A surprising finding is that sheep have been observed to eat meat, on the
Isle of Foula, Shetlands, where the chicks of Arctic terns are targeted. This
supplies sheep with minerals that they cannot otherwise obtain.
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Toxic tide
Cat litter implicated in sea otter deaths
source: Elin Kelsey,
New Scientist no 2358 August 31 2002
starts p42, 2 pages long
There is concern that sea otters off California may have been infected by
pathogen pollution from cat litter. Dozens of otters have fallen sick with
a brain infection. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have
found that dead and sick sea otters have a parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, in
their brains. The parasite affected 40% of the living otters sampled, and
60% of the dead otters. Southern sea otters are suffering a decline in their
population, and are an endangered species.
Toxoplasma is carried by cats, and both cats and humans can be infected,
but usually it is infirm and sick individuals which succumb, whereas otters
appear to bemore susceptible. The reason for their susceptibility is unclear.
They may be vulnerable on account of being a new host, or have a genetic susceptibility,
or have suffered massive exposure. Flushable cat litter involves exposing
marine animals to faecal waste. The US is also home to some 60 million feral
cats, and their faeces can pass through storm drains to rivers, and so to
the ocean. Otters living locations where storm drains and streams reach the
ocean are more likely to be infected. Otters may also become infected from
eating bivalve shellfish, such as clams and oysters. Humans could also be
at risk from pathogen pollution.
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Plague dogs
Wild animals at risk from domestic animal diseases
source: Stephanie Pain
New Scientist April 19 1997
starts p32, 6 pages long
The expansion of the human population into new areas can carry risks for
endangered wildlife across the world. Ethiopian wolves and African wild dogs,
for example, are at risk from diseases caught from domestic dogs, and Serengeti
lions were infected by canine distemper in 1994. Mustelids, such as otters,
are especially vulnerable to canine distemper. Parvovirus can kill the young
of wild canids, and rabies has also affected Ethiopian wolves and African
wild dogs. Cats can also pass on diseases to wild animals.
Wild animals tend to live at lower population densities than domestic animals,
so infections can die out, whereas they may persist among domestic animals.
There is concern that vaccination could cause more problems than itself, since
wild animals may react in unexpected ways to a vaccine. Intervention can be
successful when there is a clear need. One example is the successful treatment
of endangered Arctic foxes for mange, carried out by Russian scientists. Cubs
were given anti-parasite drugs, and fewer died of mange. Vaccination of domestic
animals may, however, be more useful than trying to treat wild animals themselves.
A drive to vaccinate dogs against rabies in Ethiopia was well received by
local people. The dogs were not accustomed to being handled by humans, since
the local religion is Islam, according to which dogs are unclean. This presented
some challenges for the vaccination team, which it has overcome.
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Britain's disease-free status remains intact
Bat rabies-type illness does not threaten British ground-dwelling
animals
source: Steve Connor
Independent November 21 2002 p6
Terrestrial mammals such as dogs and foxes are not affected by the same type
of rabies as the type that affects bats, European bat lyssavirus (EBL), also
called 'bat rabies'. The diseases are similar. EBL is common among the bat
population of northern Europe, and can be passed on to other animals such
as humans, though this is rare. There have been three deaths of humans from
EBL in Europe since 1977. Each of the three people has had contact with bats,
and had not been given immediate treatment after becoming infected.
The British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) argues
that Britain is still rabies-free, since EBL cannot be transmitted between
terrestrial mammals. The terrestrial form of rabies is not found in Britain,
and has almost been eradicated in neighbouring European countries after a
campaign to vaccinate foxes, using bait. Some 200 bats are tested annually
by government scientists, with two cases detected over 15 years. It is rare
for humans to be infected with EBL by bats. The public should not handle bats
that appear ill, and should ask for help from a bat conservation organization.
EBL cannot be transmitted through bat droppings. Bats are classed as a protected
species in the UK.
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Competition Commission points to complex monopolies
in the supply of POMs
Investigation into prescription-only vet medicines
source: Veterinary Record vol 151 no 12, September 21 2002
starts p339, 2 pages long
The Competition Commission has sent provisional conclusions to UK vets, and
wholesalers and manufacturers of prescription-only vet medicines (POMs), on
the supply of these products. The commission has found that a complex monopoly
exists where certain practices are common. These practices include vets not
telling animal owners that they can request prescriptions, or failing to give
prescriptions when asked for them, or charging high prices for them. Vets
may also fail to tell owners how much the medicines will cost before they
are dispensed, and bills may not be itemised. Discounts may not be passed
on to owners, and POMs may be priced to subsidise professional fees.
Manufacturers' practices that indicate a monopoly include not negotiating
discounts to vet buying groups, while monopolies may also exist if both manufacturers
and wholesalers refuse to supply POMs to pharmacies on terms allowing the
pharmacies to compete with vets.
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Rational use of corticosteroids in small animals
Using corticosteroid drugs in treating small animals,
and ways of avoiding side effects
source: Kit Sturgess
In Practice vol 24 no 7, July/August 2002
starts p368, 6 pages long
Corticosteroids are mainly produced in the adrenal gland, and they may be
prescribed for a number of conditions. Though they can be helpful, they can
also cause problems if they are misused. Some animals, such as rats, rabbits,
hamsters, and mice, and birds are sensitive to steroids, whereas others, like
humans, dogs, cats, horses, pigs ferrets and guinea pigs, are relatively resistant
to steroids. Marked lymphocytolysis can result from using glucocorticoids
with species that are sensitive to steroids. Other potential side effects
include changes in the skin and hair, such as thinning of skin, lethargy,
mood changes, tachypnoea, weight gain, polyuria, hypertension, muscle weakness
and decreased muscle mass, osteoporosis, body fat being redistributed, pancreatitis,
and immunosuppression.
Glucocorticoids can suppress clinical signs, but are rarely cures, so should
not replace specific therapies. Single doses of glucocorticoids that are intermediate
or short-acting are unlikely to be harmful, except in conjunction with NSAIDs,
or in the case of hypovolaemic animals. Three-day treatment periods are also
unlikely to be harmful, except where high doses are involved.
Corticosteroids may both act as anti-inflammatories and imunosuppressants.
They can delay diagnosis and inhibit wound healing
Adverse side effects can be avoided in a number of ways, such as by being
careful with using glucocorticoids in animals that have intercurrent disease,
or are pregnant. Doses should not be continually increased if there is no
initial response. Side effects are more likely at higher doses, and with longer-term
treatments.
Steroid treatments lasting over two weeks should end with tapered doses to
avoid corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome. This syndrom is not likely to be
a problem with treatments of under three days.
Lab tests may be affected by animals having been given corticosteroids, for
example, urine concentrating ability may be decreased, and T4 levels may be
reduced.
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Life is a stressful environment
Stress in captive and wild animals
source: Peter Taylor-Whiffen
Independent, Open Eye May 7 2002 p5
Frederick Toates, psychobiology reader at the Open University, has studied
stress in animals. He notes that stress may result from loss of control in
caged animals, leading to stereotypy, or repetitive behaviour. Animals need
stimulation, without which they function at a reflexive, level, where they
operate without thinking. Boredom and/or stress can trigger a drop to this
reflexive level. Birds may pluck feathers, cats and bears may pace, and monkeys
may rock themselves. Hormonal changes, problems with neighbours, pain and
hunger can also lead humans to become stressed. Captive animals need rich
environments to ease boredom. However, Toates says that wild animals can also
suffer from stress, for example wild primates at the bottom of a hierarchical
structure. In some ways, animals may be less stressed in captivity than in
the wild, for example, captive animals do not face natural predators.
Veterinary science has come to recognise that animals have feelings, though
some scientists prefer to focus on what can be measured, such as hormone levels,
rather than feelings, which cannot be observed. Toates sees his research as
important for animal welfare, and as having economic significance, since animals
may harm themselves when under stress.
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Supply of POMs: the Competition Commission starts to
look for answers
British Competition Commission looks into supply of medicines
available on prescription
source: Veterinary Record vol 150 No 18, May 4 2002
starts p 558, 3 pages long
The British Competition Commission is investigating the supply of vet medicines
that are available on on prescrption (POMs). A public hearing in London on
April 26 2002 has looked at prices charged by manufacturers, vets, dispensing
of drugs by pharmacists, and the system of regulations. National Office of
Animal Health's Phil Sketchly, favours a single European system for the authorisation
of medicines. Views from pharmaceutical wholesalers, pharamacists and vets
were heard on the existing and potential role of pharmacists in supplying
POMs. Reasons for POMs being cheaper in many European countries outside the
UK were also discussed.
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DEFRA funding for veterinary science
Allocation of UK government funds for veterinary research
Source: Veterinary Record vol 150, no 20, May 18 2002 p620
There was an increase in funding for vet research by the UK Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and Department for the Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (DEFRA) of over 80%, to 37.6 million pounds sterling for 2001 to 2002
compared with 20.8 million pounds annually for 1992-1993, according to food
and farming minister, Lord Whitty. Funding for university research rose to
5.6 million pounds from 1.6 million pounds in this period.
The proportion spent on research into transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
rose to 43% of the total in 2001-2002, compared with 27% in 1992-1993. There
has also been a rise in spending on researching foodborne zoonoses. Animal
welfare research, in contrast, accounted for only 8.5% of the total in 2002-2002
compared with 24% in 1992-1993.
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Threat of clampdown on veterinary drugs
Competition Commission to investigate price of veterinary
drugs
source: Stephen Foley
Independent April 17 2002 p21
The British Competition Commission has contacted manufacturers and wholesalers
of veterinary drugs as well as vets, and is seeking to assess whether pet
owners are paying too much for these products due to monopolistic or anti-competitive
practices. Over 25% of the market is accounted for by Dechra Pharmaceuticals.
Farmers and pet owners claim that drug prices are too high. The Commissions
deputy chairman, Denise Kingsmill, sees the discount system used by the pharmaceutical
companies as lacking in transparency. End of year rebates, for example, tend
not to benefit pet owners. One possibility being examined by the Commission
is how to increase the numbers of veterinary drugs sold through pharmacists,
to whom consumers could take vets prescriptions. Vet drugs appear to
cost more in the UK than they cost in euro-currency areas, according to Kingsmill.
Dechra chief executive, Ian Page, argues that the companys market share
has increased as a result of operational efficiencies, and that it does not
mean that anti-competitive practices are involved.
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Pet owners shun British vets for wine and worming trips
abroad
British pet owners buy cheaper vet medicines abroad
source: Observer February 17 2002 p10
British pet owners are increasingly buying vet medicines for their pets abroad,
where costs are lower. They can also buy medicines abroad that have to be
bought on prescription in the UK, which means that buying them in the UK costs
more, because owners may also have to pay for seeing a vet. Some owners with
dogs needing long-term treatments can save several thousand pounds by buying
vet products abroad, according to Dogs Today editor, Beverley Cuddy.
Meanwhile, the British Office of Fair Trading is investigating the UK market
for vet prescription drugs, due to concerns that a monopoly may have developed.
The market is worth some 200 million pounds sterling annually.
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Catch the rays
Lack of vitamin D after conception may lead to neurological
problems
source: Rachel Nowack
New Scientist February 9 2002 p7
Lack of vitamin D after conception may lead to neurological problems, according
to a researcher from Queensland Centre for Schizophrenia Research, Wacol,
John McGrath. He studied rats which were fed diets lacking in vitamin D after
they were conceived. When they became adult, these rats were more startled
by loud noises following soft noises, compared with normal rats. Baby rats
on vitamin D-deficient diets also have bigger ventricles in their brains than
normal, a characteristic often noted in humans suffering from schizophrenia.
Many genes in the brains of vitamin D deprived rats were also found to be
less active.
McGrath had embarked on this research after noting that people with schizophrenia
in North America and Europe were disproportionately likely to have birthdays
in springtime, and so have spent much of their time in the womb during winter.
Sunlight is important for the manufacture of vitamin D in the body. Further
research is needed before women should consider taking supplements of vitamin
D, which can lead to birth defects if taken in excess.
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Flabby minds
High fat diets can impair memory
source: Alison Motluk
New Scientist March 3 2001 p10
High fat diets can impair memory, according to researchers from Baycrest
Centre for Geriatric Care, Toronto. They fed rats a high-fat diet, from the
ages of one to four months, with 40% of the diet accounted for by fat, either
vegetable or animal. These rats were compared to rats on a diet with 10% fat.
All the rats were given a task to obtain food. They could obtain food by pressing
a lever, but were only rewarded only every second time they were shown the
lever. There was a delay of up to 80 seconds between when the lever appeared
and its previous appearance. Rats on high fat diets, whether vegetable or
animal fat, showed a poor performance in this task, compared with rats on
the 10% fat diet, which learnt more quickly that they did not need to press
the lever each time they saw it.
Fat could interfere with how insulin works, and how the brain uses glucose,
the researchers argue. This research may be relevant to other animals, including
humans. There is concern that a high fat diet could prevent young animals
neural pathways from developing properly. This research is dealt with in detail
in Neurobiology of learning and memory, vol 75 p179.
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Broadening horizons, forging links: working as a volunteer
overseas
Working abroad as a volunteer vet
source: Jack Reece
In Practice vol 24 no 1, January 2002
starts p 35, 5 pages long
Vets can benefit from volunteering to work abroad for charities. They can
travel, and gain more experience than is possible in a British practice, as
well as help others. There is stronger demand for extension workers and technicians
than for veterinary surgeons, so not many voluntary jobs are advertised for
vets. Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and other organisations can help with
finding work, as can personal contacts. Jobs can last from a few weeks to
two years, and longer is needed if volunteers are to work somewhere where
it takes a while to adapt to the culture. VSO usually asks for a minimum two-year
contract.
Vets may work in a range activities such as training, zoological research,
disease control, and animal welfare. Vets can contribute supplies such as
books, drugs and equipment, and may find that they have less equipment to
work with than they are used to. Charities may help with learning the language,
or the volunteer may have to learn alone.
Life as a volunteer can be rewarding in a number of ways, especially being
able to help colleagues and clients, who may depend on a cow that is being
treated. Volunteers often have more trouble getting used to Britain on their
return than they do in adapting to the community where they volunteer, since
concerns in Britain may appear more trivial in contrast. Working as a volunteer
is still worthwhile, despite the drawbacks.
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Veterinary nurse training
Vet nurse training places lost
source: Hamish Cormie
Veterinary Record vol 150 no 3, January 19 2002 p88
A request for information from vets on Approved Training and Assessment Centres
for veterinary nursing has resulted in information on 50 places that are likely
to be lost, or have been lost. Busy vets are concerned about the paperwork
and input that these places involve. There is concern that training of vet
nurses could be affected, with fewer nurses being trained. The Royal College
needs to accept that the S/NVQ system is leading to a reduction in places.
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Note from America
Lyme disease could affect dogs and other pets in Europe
source: Ewan McNeill
In Practice vol 24 no 1, January 2002 p39
Lyme disease is common in the US, where it is spread by a minute species
of tick. The disease usually affects dogs, though it can affect other pets
such as horses and cats. It results in swollen joints, and can be treated
if diagnosed early. Serious problems can arise, such as renal failure and
arthritis, if it is not treated. There are vaccines, though they are not 100%
effective, and booster shots and annual tests are needed. Tick control is
also important.
Lyme disease appears to be spreading in northern Europe. More British dogs
are travelling abroad, and British vets may eventually have to provide routine
tests for Lyme disease.
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CMO launches infectious disease strategy
British plan to tackle infectious diseases, including
zoonoses
source: Veterinary Record vol 150 no 3, January 19 2002 p59
Britains Chief Medical Officer has announced that a new agency will
be set up to tackle infectious diseases, including zoonoses, or diseases than
can be transmitted from animals to humans. This follows a Department of Health
recommendation. The National Infection Control and Health Protection Agency
would bring together health protection bodies, and liase with public health
services. Zoonoses include avian influenza, in Hong Kong, vCJD, and conditions
arising from Escherichia coli 0157. Potential terrorist threats using biological
weapons such as anthrax are also to be tackled. Measures to tackle infectious
diseases include education and vaccination programmes.
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Beware of the bat
Rabies-like viruses could spread from bats
source: Andy Coghlan
New Scientist January 19 2002 p8
There is concern in Europe about rabies-like viruses, European bat lyssaviruses
1 and 2. These viruses affect serotine bats in particular, and humans can
be infected by bat bites, with three deaths recorded over 25 years. There
are fears that EBL infections could spread from bats to other animals, though
there has been only one recorded outbreak, in Denmark, in 1998, when three
sheep died. A bat found in the UK in 1996 was found to be EBL positive. This
bat had bitten two people. People should immediately wash wounds if bitten
by an animal, as well as seeking medical help.
Normal rabies vaccines are ineffective against EBLs. There have been successful
campaigns to eradicate rabies in Western Europe through feeding wild red foxes
with bait containing rabies vaccines, and this campaign could be affected.
Australia also has rabies-free status, as is the case in most of Europe, but
Australian bat lyssavirus, also related to rabies, has affected flying foxes,
with at least two human deaths.
Meanwhile, classic rabies continues to be a problem, especially in Africa
and Asia, where it is endemic, especially in dogs. There are up to 70,000
deaths of humans from rabies annually in those continents.
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Animal crackers
Debate on effect of the moon on animals
source: New Scientist June 23 2001 p39
There is some evidence that the moon may affect animal health and behaviour.
Michael Gilmore, who is working as a vet in France, wrote to Veterinary Record
in January 2001 about a French belief that horses tend to be more vulnerable
to colic when the moon is full. He asked other vets if they knew of similar
beliefs. A vet from County Clare, Ireland, answered that Irish folk traditions
hold that it is best to time calving for the waxing of the moon, which encourages
healthy growth. Many farmers he knew would not castrate or dehorn livestock
during a waxing moon, for fear that livestock could bleed excessively.
Meanwhile, a British Medical Journal paper by Chanchai Bhattacharjee in 2000,
reported that animal bites tend to be more common in the few days prior to
a full moon, with a peak on the full moon. He looked at 1,621 bite injuries
from his work as Bradford Royal Infirmary casualty doctor. The bites were
mostly from dogs, but some were from rats, cats and horses. Simon Chapman,
an Australian researcher, however, argues that dog bite admissions do not
seem to be more common when the moon is full.
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Mans even better friend?
Debate on genetically modified pets
source: Philip Cohen
New Scientist July 14 2001
starts p10, 2 pages long
Genetically modified pets are likely to become available, and work is already
being carried out. Transgenic Pets of Syracuse aims to produce genetically
modified cats which do not trigger allergies in humans, while others aim to
genetically modify pets to produce healthier animals, for example, by correcting
defects in their genes. Conventional breeding is a slower way of changing
pets, and cats still have an allergen, Fel d 1. There could be
other benefits, especially where guide dogs are concerned. A lot of time is
invested in training these dogs, so improvements in their longevity would
be useful.
Cloning is one way of producing modified animals, though cats and dogs have
yet to be cloned. Techniques which are being developed as a way of saving
endangered species can also be applied to pets, and many people may want their
pets cloned, perhaps with improvements, such as more resistance to cancer.
There are welfare concerns relating to cloning, and it is uncertain whether
technology can be developed to tackle health problems of cloned animals. The
regulations covering genetically modified animals are stricter in Europe than
in the US. There is some concern about the impact on the environment, and
whether pet owners would want humans cloned once they have taken a first step
of cloning pets.
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Vets split on New Age treatments
British vets divided in their views on effectiveness
of alternative medicine
source: Anthony Browne
Observer January 30 2000 p7
British vets are divided in their views on the effectiveness of alternative
treatments such as homeopathy and acupuncture. There has been an increase
in numbers of vets involved in alternative medicine, and demand for such services
is strong. There is also an increase in usage of faith healing for pets. The
British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons has sought affiliation
with the mainstream British Veterinary Association, which has rejected the
application.
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Send in the vets!
Career information for would-be vets
source: New Scientist October 20 2001
starts p64, 2 pages long
Vets can work in a range of fields, though 85% are in general practice. Government
services account for 6%, universities for 4%, charities and trusts for 3%,
and industry and commerce for 2%.
There are 8803 applicants for vet school in Britain in 1999, and only 631
of these were successful. Courses last five to six years, and tuition fees
can be 5,000 pounds sterling.
Medical research on animals can attract criticism, but both animals and humans
can benefit. Opportunities in government research include monitoring usage
of veterinary drugs, and helping to control epidemics in farm animals. Academic
research tends to pay less well than general practice, since vets in practice
can earn some 40,000 pounds sterling by age 30 to 35-years-old, which is as
much as an academic professor. This creates the problem that vets often leave
academia to return to general practice. One solution is to allow vets to combine
both research and general practice.
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The caring profession
Career information on veterinary nursing
source: Your Cat April 2000
starts p50, 2 pages long
The work of a veterinary nurse can be tough emotionally and physically, but
there are many rewards too. Duties include laboratory work, animal first aid,
feeding and cleaning, general ward care, and helping vets during surgery,
as well as telephone and reception work. Job opportunities occur in private
veterinary practices, as well as animal charities such as the RSPCA. Qualifications
required are give GCSEs at grade C or above, including maths, science, and
English, and to enrol with the British Veterinary Nursing Association, you
must be 17-years-old, and employed at an Approved Training and Assessment
Centre practice. The British Veterinary Nursing Association's Pre-Veterinary
Nursing course is another option, if you do not gain the right number of GCSEs,
and this requires you to have worked in a veterinary practice for at least
nine months full-time, or 18 months part time.
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