THE International Society of Feline Medicine is hosting its third Asia-Pacific cat congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two-day congress is aimed at practitioners and this year's theme is feline kidney and feline liver disease. Speakers include two RCVS Specialists in feline medicine, Martha Cannon and Andy Sparkes. Martha, a partner at a cat-only practice in Oxford, will address the clinical and laboratory evaluation of feline liver, kidney and pancreatic disease. She will also discuss the causes and practical management of feline liver disease and the importance of proteinuria in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Andy, veterinary director for International Cat Care, will look at the long-term management of CKD and how the Cat Friendly Clinic is an asset in managing chronic conditions. Rachel Korman, a former International Cat Care resident at the University of Bristol who now works with Veterinary Specialist Services,Brisbane, Australia, will take a close look at acute kidney injury in cats covering aetiology, diagnosis and assessment, practical management and prognosis. She will also discussthe aetiology, diagnosis and stagingof CKD, together with non-dietary therapies and the management of hypertension and other co-morbidities. Fabienne Dethioux who heads-up the Royal Canin scientificcommunications for the Asia Pacific zone will look at the health implications of obesity. The congress venue is the state-of-the-art convention centre at the Kuala Lumpur Renaissance Hotel, which boasts stunning views of the Petronas Twin Towers. The congress will take place from February 26-27, 2014 and is supported by partners Royal Canin and Boehringer Ingelheim. The cost for the whole congress for ISFM members is 180 (250/980MYR) and non-members 200 (260/1100MYR). Delegates registering before December 31 will receive a 15 (20/70 MYR) discount. For the scientific programme and to register, go to www.icatcare.org/asia-pacific-congress

According to a survey by YouGov, Britain is losing its faith in pre-prepared food. According to the results, 46 per cent of people who took part in the survey said that their trust in pre-prepared food had decreased since the horse meat scandal. According to Freedom Food, sales of food bearing its logo have risen by 36 per cent in the last three years and they have reported an increase in the number of farmers wanting to join its higher welfare scheme.

A revision to the licence for vaccine Suvaxyn MH-One will allow pig producers to protect piglets against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from an earlier age, according to Zoetis. The vaccine has been approved for use from seven days of age with a two-week onset of immunity, meaning piglets can be protected by three weeks of age.

According to the animal health company, the duration of immunity extends well beyond the average UK pig slaughter age of 176 days. Nigel Lodge, national veterinary manager for Zoetis in the UK, commented: "Trials have confirmed that use of Suvaxyn MH-One at seven days reduces lung lesions - even in the presence of maternally derived antibodies."

Keepers at Edinburgh Zoo are still observing signs that that Tian Tian, their female giant panda, is in the late stages of pregnancy.

Simon Girling, head of veterinary services for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: "Tian Tian, our female giant panda, is still continuing to show signs of being in the late term of pregnancy. Her behaviour has mellowed out over the past few days, which is a very positive sign and she has also started to produce colostrum."

Spanish Congress has decided to protect bullfighting and grant it cultural heritage status, a decision that has been condemned by international animal protection organisations. A coalition of six organisations said: "Bullfighting is cruel and outdated and has no place in a modern society; culture stops where cruelty starts." Bullfighting is declining and the public is not supportive of subsidies to protect it. The final text will now be presented to the Senate where a vote is likely to take place later this month.

A DNA testing scheme for Progressive Retinal Atrophy 3 (PRA3) in Tibetan Spaniels has been approved by the Kennel Club. In the UK, this test is offered by the Animal Health Trust, and further details can be obtained directly from them.

Future results will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and any future offspring, and on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website. Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, and a new certificate printed free of charge, if the owners submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.