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Munir SMI, Mokhtar MI, Arham AF. Public perspectives on strays and companion animal management in Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1428. [PMID: 37495958 PMCID: PMC10373340 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Strays and companion animal management is a sensitive issue in Malaysia that incites solid and conflicting views. Through structured questionnaires administered to a random sample of 704 respondents, this study explored public opinion on a) causes of the stray animal population, b) the management of the stray animal population, and c) the national strategy on strays and companion Animal Management. The results show that 70.3% of respondents agreed that a lack of public awareness regarding animal care was the major contributor to the stray animal population. In addition, 58.1% of respondents felt that treating and vaccinating animals exposed to zoonotic diseases is a viable approach that could be instituted as a reasonable measure in stray animal population management. Finally, developing animal protection areas through a multi-stakeholder partnership strategy initiative recorded the highest support (48.4%) for intervention planning for stray animal management at a national level. Notably, a significant percentage of public responses were implicitly influenced by demographic variables. These findings provide valuable insights into public opinion regarding stray and companion animal management in Malaysia. These findings could inform the development of future legislation aimed at reducing the unfavorable effects of stray animal populations on humans and the ecology of MalaysiaPlease check if affiliations [is/are] captured correctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syafiq Munir Ismail Munir
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Istajib Mokhtar
- Department of Science and Technology Studies, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Ahmad Firdhaus Arham
- Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
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McDonald J, Finka L, Foreman-Worsley R, Skillings E, Hodgson D. Cat: Empirical modelling of Felis catus population dynamics in the UK. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287841. [PMID: 37437091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats are popular companion animals, however not all live in human homes and many cats live within shelters or as free-roaming, unowned- feral or stray cats. Cats can transition between these subpopulations, but the influence of this connectivity on overall population dynamics, and the effectiveness of management interventions, remain poorly understood. We developed a UK-focused multistate Matrix Population Model (MPM), combining multiple life history parameters into an integrated model of cat demography and population dynamics. The model characterises cats according to their age, subpopulation and reproductive status, resulting in a 28-state model. We account for density-dependence, seasonality and uncertainty in our modelled projections. Through simulations, we examine the model by testing the effect of different female owned-cat neutering scenarios over a 10-year projection timespan. We also use the model to identify the vital rates to which total population growth is most sensitive. The current model framework demonstrates that increased prevalence of neutering within the owned cat subpopulation influences the population dynamics of all subpopulations. Further simulations find that neutering owned cats younger is sufficient to reduce overall population growth rate, regardless of the overall neutering prevalence. Population growth rate is most influenced by owned cat survival and fecundity. Owned cats, which made up the majority of our modelled population, have the most influence on overall population dynamics, followed by stray, feral and then shelter cats. Due to the importance of owned-cat parameters within the current model framework, we find cat population dynamics are most sensitive to shifts in owned cat husbandry. Our results provide a first evaluation of the demography of the domestic cat population in the UK and provide the first structured population model of its kind, thus contributing to a wider understanding of the importance of modelling connectivity between subpopulations. Through example scenarios we highlight the importance of studying domestic cat populations in their entirety to better understand factors influencing their dynamics and to guide management planning. The model provides a theoretical framework for further development, tailoring to specific geographies and experimental investigation of management interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni McDonald
- Feline Welfare Directorate, Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Finka
- Feline Welfare Directorate, Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
| | - Rae Foreman-Worsley
- Feline Welfare Directorate, Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Skillings
- Feline Welfare Directorate, Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Hodgson
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, United Kingdom
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Sumner CL, Walker JK, Dale AR. The Implications of Policies on the Welfare of Free-Roaming Cats in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:237. [PMID: 35158559 PMCID: PMC8833721 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A lack of national legislation for cat management in New Zealand poses challenges for ensuring that practices are consistently humane and effective. In this paper, we review the current cat management policies in New Zealand and the implications they have on the welfare of free-roaming cats (from here on, referred to as 'cats'). Our review demonstrates that there are multiple policy mechanisms used to manage cats in New Zealand for a variety of reasons, including animal welfare, pest management, and nuisance, and that these different policies have both positive and negative implications for cat welfare. We provide context pertaining to New Zealanders' acceptance of current or future laws and regulations and compare the New Zealand policy landscape with other countries, with a particular emphasis on Australia, to identify potential directions and outcomes of increased regulation. We discuss the future of the regulatory environment in New Zealand, including the need to better understand the impact of policies on cats, people, and other animals in urban, rural, and wild spaces. We further discuss the need to better understand the cat-human relationship for future policy decisions and offer a solution based on national cat legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arnja R. Dale
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA NZ), Auckland 0640, New Zealand; (C.L.S.); (J.K.W.)
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Windschnurer I, Häusler A, Waiblinger S, Coleman GJ. Relationships between owner and household characteristics and enrichment and cat behaviour. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Crozet G, Lacoste ML, Rivière J, Robardet E, Cliquet F, Dufour B. Management practices of dog and cat owners in France (pet traveling, animal contact rates and medical monitoring): Impacts on the introduction and the spread of directly transmitted infectious pet diseases. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1256-1273. [PMID: 33787076 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A number of owner practices among the pet dog and cat population can influence the dynamics of directly transmitted infectious dog and cat diseases, including zoonotic ones. To better depict these management practices, which include pet traveling, contact rates with other companion animals and their medical monitoring (which herein includes prevention aspects), we surveyed 2,122 dog- and/or cat-owning French households through an anonymous online questionnaire. Trips with dogs within the European Union (EU) were frequent, while cats travelled less frequently within the EU and both cats and dogs travelled less frequently outside the EU. Recurrent illegal trips with dogs and cats (non-compliant with regulatory measures) were observed in a context of non-systematic pet border controls. We found that a large proportion of dogs are taken for walks in metropolitan France, with frequent intraspecific contacts (1.4 contacts/day on average), but only a minority (1.4%) of dogs were allowed to roam freely. On the other hand, 59.7% of cat owners allowed their cats to roam freely. We classified pet owners according to different profiles, some of which may be considered 'at risk' for directly transmitted infectious pet diseases. Indeed, one dog owner profile and one cat owner profile depict 'spreaders' of pet diseases (high connectivity with other individuals, little medical monitoring but no traveling) and another dog owner profile describes a potential 'introducer' and 'spreader' of pet diseases (foreign travel, high connectivity with other individuals, and intermediate medical monitoring). While these 'at risk' profiles represent only a minority of French pet owners, they should be better characterized to reinforce targeted prevention designed to minimize the risk of (re)introduction and (re)emergence of directly transmitted infectious dog and cat diseases in France, especially when considering zoonoses with a significant potential impact, such as rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Crozet
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marie-Laure Lacoste
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Julie Rivière
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emmanuelle Robardet
- Nancy OIE/WHO/EU Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Anses, Malzéville, France
| | - Florence Cliquet
- Nancy OIE/WHO/EU Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Anses, Malzéville, France
| | - Barbara Dufour
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Tan SM, Stellato AC, Niel L. Uncontrolled Outdoor Access for Cats: An Assessment of Risks and Benefits. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E258. [PMID: 32041155 PMCID: PMC7070728 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled outdoor access is associated with a number of welfare concerns for companion cats, including increased risks of disease and parasites, injury or death due to traffic, predation or ingestion of toxic substances, and getting permanently separated from their owner. In addition, cats pose a threat to local wildlife due to predatory behaviors, and can sometimes be a nuisance to human neighbors. Despite these concerns, recent estimates suggest that many owners are still providing their cats with uncontrolled outdoor access, likely because it also offers welfare benefits by allowing cats to perform natural behaviors, such as hunting, exploring, and climbing. While some have suggested that outdoor access is necessary to meet cats' behavioral needs and to prevent related behavioral problems, others have recommended various environmental enrichment strategies that can be developed to meet these needs within an indoor environment or through supervised and controlled outdoor access. This review examines the welfare issues and benefits associated with outdoor access for cats, as well as what is currently known about peoples' practices, knowledge, and attitudes about the provision of outdoor access for cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M.L. Tan
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5H 3Z7, Canada
| | - Anastasia C. Stellato
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lee Niel
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Mankad A, Kennedy U, Carter L. Biological control of pests and a social model of animal welfare. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 247:313-322. [PMID: 31252230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.06.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper considers the sociocultural implications of biological pest control that sit at the cusp of managing an invasive species for conservation or productivity (i.e. a 'natural enemy') and socially driven 'manipulating life' arguments. We consider the role of perceived humaneness or, more accurately, animal welfare as it relates to managing invasive species from a scientific and social perspective. In order to highlight and articulate particular nuances and standards across different pest control contexts, we use three case examples (feral cats, wild rabbits, and invasive cane toads) and explore where biological pest control and animal welfare interests intersect. The paper summarises key scientific welfare concerns and then extends the literature to also examine key social characteristics of each pest management scenario, including lay perceptions of animal welfare, the sociocultural context that pests exist within, and overarching psychological factors contributing to public sentiment, including perceived risks. The subsequent descriptive model presented is useful in articulating core sociocultural beliefs relative to each case and how these antecedent associations and attitudes about an animal influence subsequent beliefs about a pest management strategy and ultimately acceptance of the management approach. The model can inform invasive species management policies and highlight key sociocultural factors likely to influence public responses. The model also informs interdisciplinary science designed to develop acceptable and socially responsible biocontrol strategies that consider public perceptions of animal welfare and cultural appropriateness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Mankad
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia; Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, CSIRO Land & Water, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| | - Uttara Kennedy
- RSPCA Queensland, Locked Bag 3000, Archerfield BH QLD 4108, Australia
| | - Lucy Carter
- CSIRO Land & Water, GPO Box 2583, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia; Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, CSIRO Land & Water, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
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First report of Toxoplasma gondii sporulated oocysts and Giardia duodenalis in commercial green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in New Zealand. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1453-1463. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Walker JK, Bruce SJ, Dale AR. A Survey of Public Opinion on Cat (Felis catus) Predation and the Future Direction of Cat Management in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2017; 7:ani7070049. [PMID: 28671609 PMCID: PMC5532564 DOI: 10.3390/ani7070049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The need to balance the benefits of cat ownership with the prevention of wildlife predation in New Zealand evokes strong and opposing views. This paper evaluates public concern for wildlife predation by four categories of cats; owned cats, managed-stray cats, unmanaged-stray cats, and feral cats. In addition, public support for a National Cat Management Strategy and a range of management techniques are investigated. Although the participants expressed concern regarding wildlife predation by all four categories of cats, the highest levels of concern were predation by feral cats, followed by unmanaged stray cats, then managed stray cats, and finally owned cats. The large majority of participants were found to support the implementation of a National Cat Management Strategy. Management techniques for owned cats that obtained public support included; cat exclusion zones, limits on ownership numbers, microchipping, Council registration, and de-sexing. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) was the favoured management technique for managed stray cats, while TNR and lethal management techniques were equally favoured for unmanaged stray cats. Lethal control methods were favoured for feral cats. The findings presented in this paper will be useful to consider during the development of legislation relating to cat management and predation in New Zealand. Abstract Cat predation is a prominent issue in New Zealand that provokes strong and opposing views. We explored, via 1011 face-to-face questionnaires, public opinion on (a) support for a National Cat Management Strategy (78% support); (b) concern regarding predation of wildlife by owned and un-owned cats (managed stray, unmanaged stray, and feral cats); (c) the acceptability of management techniques for owned cats; and (d) the acceptability of population management techniques for un-owned cats. The highest concern was expressed regarding the predation of non-native and native wildlife by feral cats (60 and 86% repectively), followed by unmanaged stray cats (59 and 86% respectively), managed stray cats (54 and 82% respectively), and finally owned cats (38 and 69% repectively). Limits to the number of cats owned and cat restriction zones received high levels of support (>65%), and compulsory microchipping, Council registration, and de-sexing were supported by the majority (>58%). Public support of population control methods for unowned cats was explored, and the influence of participant demographic variables on responses is described. These findings provide insight into public opinion regarding the management of cats in New Zealand, which should be considered during the development of legislation in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Walker
- New Zealand Companion Animal Council, P.O. Box 4, Waiuku, Auckland 2341, New Zealand.
| | - Stephanie J Bruce
- Environmental and Animal Sciences Network, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland 1025, New Zealand.
| | - Arnja R Dale
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 3047 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0610, New Zealand.
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Kikillus KH, Chambers GK, Farnworth MJ, Hare KM. Research challenges and conservation implications for urban cat management in New Zealand. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/pc16022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, conservation efforts in New Zealand have moved from being concentrated in rural and isolated island locations, where exotic mammalian predators are often controlled, to begin to bring native fauna back to major cities. However, human–wildlife conflicts arise when conservation occurs in close proximity to cities. These are particularly intense when companion animals are involved either as potential predators or prey of high-value conservation animals. Within New Zealand, this conflict is particularly fraught around domestic cats (Felis catus) in the urban environment. Cats in New Zealand are recognised as major introduced predators of native fauna, but they also prey on small introduced predatory mammals. This dynamic causes much conflict between people with different attitudes towards animals; however, as yet, few studies have explored the role(s), either negative or positive, of urban cats in New Zealand. Here, we review current knowledge on domestic cats in urban New Zealand, identify gaps in knowledge and make suggestions for future research, which includes further social science research, citizen science-based research programs, market research, investigation into cat-management legislation, and more in-depth studies of cat diseases and zoonoses. These data are vital for informing the public and improving the management of urban cat populations, including mitigating conservation impacts. Urban ecologists will need to be versatile in the way they design and conduct experiments, exploiting multiple disciplines to both ensure scientific robustness, but also community and government support for uptake of results into management and legislation.
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Human-cat relationship in an oceanic biosphere reserve: The case of La Palma Island, Canary archipelago. J Nat Conserv 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2016.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Assessing the effectiveness of the Birdsbesafe® anti-predation collar cover in reducing predation on wildlife by pet cats in Western Australia. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Harrod M, Keown AJ, Farnworth MJ. Use and perception of collars for companion cats in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2015; 64:121-4. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2015.1110064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Gosling L, Stavisky J, Dean R. What is a feral cat?: Variation in definitions may be associated with different management strategies. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:759-64. [PMID: 23966002 PMCID: PMC11110973 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13481034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
STUDY RATIONALE The definition of a true feral cat is an area of much contention, with many variations used worldwide. In this study, opinions were gathered from feral cat rescue workers and veterinary surgeons working in the United Kingdom to identify a practical definition of a feral cat, suitable for use in the field, education and research. PROTOCOL A mixed methods approach, using questionnaires and focus groups, was used to collect data from feral cat workers and veterinary surgeons. FINDINGS Conflicts in opinion on the implications of taming feral cats exist. The rescue workers typically felt that most cats could be tamed, whereas the veterinary surgeons felt this was generally inappropriate, except in the case of young kittens. A consistent definition of feral cats would enable better communication regarding the welfare and management of these animals, and would be useful for further research and education of the public. PROPOSED DEFINITION: A feral cat is proposed by this study to be a cat that is unapproachable in its free-roaming environment and is capable of surviving with or without direct human intervention, and may additionally show fearful or defensive behaviour on human contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Gosling
- University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jenny Stavisky
- University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Rachel Dean
- University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK
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