A recent article in Neuroepidemiology, called “What the COVID-19 crisis is telling humanity,” argues that the way we treat animals puts us at risk of further disasters similar to the current pandemic. The authors, David Wiebers and Valery Feigin, are neuroscientists. Their call for a change in our treatment of […]
WSAVA elects first female president
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has elected Thai veterinarian Siraya Chunekamrai as its new President. Chunekamrai is a pioneer of veterinary practice in Thailand where she opened the country’s first equine surgery in 1996. She has a strong interest in self- and professional development and in helping member […]
Abstracts: Slow-growing broilers are healthier and express more behavioural indicators of positive welfare
Broiler chicken welfare is under increasing scrutiny due to welfare concerns regarding growth rate and stocking density. This farm-based study explored broiler welfare in four conditions representing commercial systems varying in breed and planned maximum stocking density: (1) Breed A, 30 kg/m2; (2) Breed B, 30 kg/m2; (3) Breed B, […]
COVID-19 also a risk for wildlife
An international study has warned a wide range of mammals, including threatened species, are at risk of human-animal transmission of COVID-19, and have urged people to take sanitary precautions when in direct or indirect contact with wild or feral mammal species. Domestic cats, American mink, Egyptian fruit bats and North […]
Pigeon Post: Ian Neville reports from the UK
Eight months into the coronavirus pandemic the UK is no longer the ‘sick man’ of Europe. A slew of European nations including Spain, France, Belgium, Sweden, Austria and The Netherlands now have higher infection rates. Of course that may change as winter advances; the flare up in Victoria has taught […]