Yes, people can infect pets with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Infection of companion animals (pets) with SARS-CoV-2 from people has been suspected or documented in dogs, cats, ferrets, and hamsters [1]. Although many individual domestic animals have now been shown to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 [1],…
‘One Welfare’ is the concept that animal welfare depends on and influences human welfare and environmental sustainability [1]. This considers mental health as well as physical health and is thus an extension of the One Health concept. In practice, this concept calls for veterinarians and related animal services such…
Gingivitis and stomatitis both involve inflammation of the mouth tissues and can be painful and affect your cat’s health. Gingivitis Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Every time a cat eats, bacteria, proteins, and dead cells form a thin film over the hard surface of the tooth. This thin film…
‘One Health’ is the concept that animal health and human health are interdependent and bound to the health of the ecosystems in which they exist [1]. The concept aims to foster collaboration and communication between animal and human health services to achieve better public and animal health than either service could…
Owning a cat brings joy to many thousands of Australians. Cat owners also have responsibilities to help their cats live happy, safe and healthy lives. Microchipping, identification, and registration A microchip is a small electronic chip that can be scanned by a microchip reader to show a unique number. The…
Ducks are waterfowl and therefore adapted to spend a large extent of their life in the water. When ducks are provided access to water they use it to perform a variety of highly motivated water-related bathing behaviours such as sieving, dabbling, preening and head dipping. A water-related behaviour like preening…
Palm oil is a cheap, versatile and very popular vegetable oil. However, its large-scale production has caused a devastating impact on wildlife and the environment. Adoption of sustainable production practices is urgently required as is mandatory labelling of products containing palm oil so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions….
Despite bans and restrictions being placed on the opera house net trap in different states and territories, they continue to be used. These traps are very popular for catching freshwater crayfish but have caused the drowning of other animals, including platypus and other aquatic species. Based on the significant risk…
Current scientific evidence demonstrates that fish are sentient animals, capable of experiencing pain and suffering. Salmon have a natural lifespan of between 3 to 8 years. Born in freshwater and living their adult lives at sea, but then returning to their freshwater birthplace to spawn. In commercial salmon production fish…
Turkeys are sociable, curious, and quirky creatures. Domesticated turkeys today are descended from several turkey subspecies originating from Mexico. A turkey’s natural lifespan can be up to 10 years, however in commercial turkey meat production they will be slaughtered at 10-18 weeks. Breeding Breeding turkeys There are two breeds available…