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Alpacas are susceptible to MERS-CoV, study finds
alpacas
The discovery paves the way for further research to determine whether alpacas may be another livestock reservoir.
Findings raise concern about potential spread to new areas
 
Alpacas are susceptible to natural infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), new research has shown. The discovery paves the way for further research to determine whether alpacas may be another livestock reservoir.

Writing in a letter published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, the authors say there is growing evidence that dromedary camels are a reservoir for zoonotic transmission of MERS-CoV.

The team studied 15 healthy alpacas from a herd of 20 and 10 healthy dromedaries from a herd of 25. Both the camels and alpacas were kept as hobby animals at a farm in the Al Shahaniya region of Qatar, where there is extensive and continuous circulation of MERS-CoV - most likely due to an international camel racing track and numerous barns housing camels.

MERS-CoV specific antibodies were found in all of the alpacas and all but one of the camels.

Authors wrote: 'The observed natural susceptibility of alpacas for natural MERS-CoV infection potentiates a broadening of the geographic range of MERS-CoV circulation to areas with large populations of alpacas.'

The findings also call into question whether other camelids could become infected, they added.

Another study published in the journal suggests alpacas could be used as a model for MERS-CoV infection in camels, particularly for the development of vaccines. Infection trials involving camels can be challenging due to the need to handle and house them in high containment facilities.

All three alpacas that were experimentally infected with MERS-CoV became infected, while two out of three alpacas to have close contact with the infected animals became infected themselves. The infected animals were also found to shed large quantities nasally.

These findings suggest that infection can spread easily among closely grouped camelids researchers say. Within the Middle East, camels are frequently moved for grazing, camel shows and races, which enables close mingling of the animals and could play a major role in MERS-CoV transmission among animals and handlers.

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.