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Pet reptiles may be "reservoirs" of Campylobacter
bearded dragon
Scientists found 7.3 per cent of reptiles tested positive for fetus or hyointestinalis.
Scientists assess the risk of Campylobacter species to reptile owners

Scientists say the risk of Campylobacter infection should be considered by those keeping reptiles as companion animals.

Research published in the Veterinary Record (Vol 174 No 19) suggests pet reptiles could be potential reservoirs of Campylobacter fetus and C hyointestinalis  - and therefore may be a source of human infection.

Scientists from the University of Padua, Italy, collected 109 cloacal swabs from captive reptiles during 2011. Samples were taken from Chelonians, lizards and snakes kept in a zoo and a further 67 animals from private households in Northern Italy.

According to the report in Vet Record, 7.3 per cent of reptiles tested positive for the C fetus sub-species fetus, or C hyointestinalis sub-species hyointestinalis. All snakes tested negative.

These species are known to be pathogenic to people, and C fetus is reported to cause gastroenteritis, septicaemia and disseminated infections.

The report states that C hyointestinalis has been isolated from humans and animals and is known to cause gastroenteritis and septicaemia in humans.

Scientists say more research is needed to determine the distribution of the Campylobacter species, the rate of excretion in reptiles and the risk to humans.

To read the report, see Veterinary Record May 10, 2014, Vol 174 No 19, pp.479, Pet Reptiles as potential reservoirs of Campylobacter species with zoonotic potential

 

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."