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SARS may have originated in bats, study finds
Chinese horseshoe bats responsible for pandemic, scientists say

New research published in the journal, Nature, has confirmed horseshoe bats in China as the origin of the SARS-CoV pandemic in 2002-3.

During the pandemic, 774 of the 8094 people around the world who became infected were killed by the virus.

While researchers have previously shown that bats are natural reservoirs for SARS-like coronaviruses (CoV), they have never before been confirmed as the virus' origin.

A research team led by Professor Shi Zhengli from the Wuham Institute of Virology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, isolated a SARS-like CoV from the faecal samples of Chinese horseshoe bats.

According to scientists, these bats have an important ecological role and are found around the globe.

Researchers say their findings will help governments design more effective prevention strategies for SARS and similar epidemics.

In addition, insights into the role of horseshoe bats in transmitting SARS-CoV highlight the importance of protecting this species natural environment, ensuring that they are not forced into highly populated urban areas for food.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.