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First evidence of a link between Zika and GBS
mosquito
The risk of GBS was estimated at around 2.4 in every 10,000 patients with Zika infection.
Zika 'increases likelihood' of Guillain-Barré, scientists say
 
For the first time, scientists say they have found evidence to suggest a link between Zika virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) - a severe form of limb paralysis that often occurs with respiratory impairment.

A multidisciplinary study led by the Institut Pasteur in Paris has enabled virologists to identify recent Zika infection in 41 out of 42 patients who experienced GBS during the French Polynesian Zika epidemic in 2013-14.

Lead author Professor Arnaud Fontanet, said: "This work is significant because it allows for the confirmation of the role of Zika virus infection in the occurrences of the severe neurological complications that constitute Guillain-Barré syndrome.

"This indicates that the regions which are affected by the Zika virus epidemic are likely to see a significant increase in the number of patients with serious neurological complications, and when possible, should increase the capacity of health-care facilities to receive patients needing intensive care."

The risk of GBS was estimated at around 2.4 in every 10,000 patients with Zika infection. This figure was based on the fact that about two-thirds of the French Polynesian population were infected during the 2013-14 epidemic.

Zika virus, which is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, is often mild with patients experiencing no symptoms or a few days of fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis.

But during the French Polynesian epidemic, there was a noticeable increase in GBS cases. At the time, however, it was not possible to establish a definite causal link.

More recently, Zika has continued to spread across Latin America, prompting the World Health Organisation to declare a public health emergency. A number of countries have issued public health warnings about the increase in GBS cases, as well as microcephaly in newborn babies.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.