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Essay: A review of current methods used to control free-roaming cat populations and their effects on feline welfare

July 21, 2014July 16, 2014admin2 Comments

Introduction After recent debate over the best method for reducing free-roaming cat populations (Robertson, 2008), the general consensus is that methods should be effective, practical and, most of all, humane. Free-roaming cats present a variety of issues, such as the spread of zoonotic diseases, wildlife predation, threats to native species, spread of disease to […]

A proposed radiographic classification scheme for congenital thoracic vertebral malformations in brachycephalic “screw-tailed”dog breeds

July 18, 2014July 16, 2014admin1 Comment

Congenital vertebral malformations are common in brachycephalic “screw-tailed” dog breeds such as French bulldogs, English bulldogs, Boston terriers, and pugs. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether a radiographic classification scheme developed for use in humans would be feasible for use in these dog breeds. Inclusion criteria were hospital admission between September […]

Nicholls tops AVA board

July 16, 2014admin1 Comment

Adelaide small animal veterinarian Julia Nicholls has been elected president of the Australian Veterinary Association Board. “I have been on the board for four years and have served terms as treasurer and vice president. I have been fortunate in having the support and friendship of my fellow directors during that time,” Nicholls said. […]

Vet Ethics: Ag-gag laws – the good, the bad and the indifferent

July 14, 2014July 16, 2014adminLeave a Comment

The so-called “ag-gag” legislation is a hot topic in some animal farming and animal activist and circles. Recently passed in several States, ag-gag laws criminalize aspects of undercover filming or photographing in factory farms, puppy-mills, and other animal-producing facilities in the USA. This anti-whistleblower legislation arrives at a time when other whistleblowers, and their revelations […]

Gammeherpesvirus a potential pathogen in cats

July 11, 2014July 16, 2014admin1 Comment

An international team of researchers lead by Australian veterinarian Associate Professor Julia Beatty has identified a novel gammaherpesvirus as a widespread potential pathogen in cats. Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) affect a very broad range of species including humans and other primates, ruminants, squirrels, badgers and sea lions. Like all herpesviruses they cause persistent infection but […]