Virus Threatens Scotland’s Red Squirrels
The first case of a red squirrel in Scotland dying as a result of the squirrelpox virus has sadly been reported by Scottish Natural Heritage. The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is one of the most threatened species of mammal in the UK, and Scotland supports 75% of the UK’s remaining red squirrel population. Squirrelpox virus…
Will new parasite hinder UK otter recovery?
Is a new ‘mystery parasite’ likely to stop the recovery of the UK otter population? It appears that we can hope not, but can’t yet be sure. I recently came across a mention in the magazine of the local wildlife trust of such a parasite spreading through otter populations in the south-west of England. The…
Insect protein: an alternative to fish meal?
Fish meal and oil are major components of feed for farmed fish, particularly carnivorous species. Fish meal, however, is a finite resource which cannot be produced in sufficient quantities to sustain the current growth in aquaculture; its rising cost is another cause for concern amongst fish farmers. Research into alternatives to fish meal is now…
Cod this mean the end for Gadus morhua?
I was planning a brief summary of cod wars and arguments over fishing zones, but after a little digging I found that many countries, particularly the UK, have been involved in a row over cod fishing at one time or another, and I just don’t have time to go into it all.So, the point is…
Patents, pigs and pastoralists
Patents and animal genetic resources make a controversial mix. There are many ethical questions that relate to the patenting of animal genes and whole organisms, genetically modified or not. Some of the most poignant are those addressed in a recent discussion paper published by the League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development, entitled ‘Patents…
Cowpox, cats, smallpox and history.
It is 30 years since the last recorded case of naturally acquired smallpox. The eradication of this terrible disease which caused the deaths of hundreds of millions over the centuries, could raise the possibility that cowpox virus, which played an important part in the fight against smallpox, could be taking advantage of the removal of…
Pet Foods for Thought
More than a month since the major recall of dog and cat food in North America began, many key questions still remain unanswered. On 16 March, Menu Foods, Inc. initiated a North American recall of dog and cat foods, prompted by pet owner complaints and by its own testing. Since then, a growing list of…
Cancer Prevention for Pets?
Cancer prevention is a relatively new concept within the medical and veterinary research community, with emphasis predominantly on treatment. However, this month the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation in the USA has announced the launch of a major cancer prevention trial in pet dogs. The study, funded by Procter & Gamble Pet Care, will enroll…
Origins of BSE?
The recent publication of a paper describing an atypical form of BSE, referred to as ‘bovine amyloidotic spongiform encephalopathy’ (BASE) could help in explaining the mystery of the origin of the BSE epidemic. This different type of BSE was identified in two cattle, aged 11 and 15 years, in Italy, and a similar strain of…
Cow + Grass = House
Cows plus grass equals dung; 7-9 million tonnes of it each year in the USA alone! What if cows plus grass made flooring?, or shelving? or a table? Michigan State University researchers, working with the US Department of Agriculture, reckon that the "digester solids" leftovers from anaerobic digestion of cattle manure can be processed into…