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Pet cats in New York test positive for COVID-19
The pet cats lived in two separate areas of New York State.

Felines are the first pets in the US to test positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Two pet cats living in New York have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, US Officials have confirmed.

The cats both had mild respiratory illness and are expected to make a full recovery, said the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It is believed the cats developed the illness from mildly ill or asymptomatic household members, or through contact with an infected person outside their home.

The news comes after four more tigers and three lions tested positive for COVID-19 at the Bronx Zoo. But US authorities stress there is no evidence that animals play a role in spreading the virus.

'Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States,' the CDC writes.
'There is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.'

Nevertheless, the CDC is recommending that pet owners do not let their animals interact with people or other animals outside the household.

The pet cats lived in two separate areas of New York State and are the first pets in the US to test positive for SARS-CoV-2.

To date, SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported in a tiny number of animals across the globe, and mostly in cases where an animal has had direct contact with a person infected with the virus.

The BVA said in a statement: “From the small number of cases it appears that dogs do not show symptoms, but cats can show clinical signs of the disease.

“It is also the case that animals can act as fomites, as the virus could be on their fur in the same way it is on other surfaces, such as tables and doorknobs. That’s why our main advice for pet owners continues to be to practise good hand hygiene.

“And, as a precaution, for pet owners who have COVID-19 or who are self-isolating, we are recommending that you keep your cat indoors if possible, during that time.”

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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

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.