Featured Research: Animals

Story

The pathogen discoverer – in search of novel and/or emerging tick-borne pathogens

Africa has one of the highest burdens of infectious diseases of humans and animals. Zoonotic diseases – those transmitted from domestic and wild animals to humans – annually cause 2,2 million deaths and 2,4 billion cases of human illness worldwide.

Story

Ground-breaking surgical procedure by South African team regarded as the first of its kind

In what is regarded as a first of its kind, a group of South African veterinarians, together with a maxillofacial surgeon, succeeded in surgically lengthening the misaligned jaw of an adult male chimpanzee.

Story

Another veterinary painkiller found to be toxic to vultures

The drug known as carprofen, which was found to be toxic to vultures, belongs to the same family of drugs as diclofenac and meloxicam.

Story

Some flies like crowds

Global population growth and migration from rural areas to cities has resulted in human settlements being concentrated in urban areas.

Talking Point

World Rabies Day: What you need to know

September 28 is World Rabies Day. Prof Andrew Leisewitz from the Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies at the University of Pretoria (UP), shares some important facts about Rabies, the only infectious disease that carries a 100% mortality rate.

Story

Research explores the social life of one of Africa's most iconic animals

Giraffes, like so many species in Africa, are under threat. While scientifically inaccurate cultural beliefs exist which claim that lion bone, rhino horn and pangolin scales have health benefits for humans, certain cultures consider the giraffe's tail to be a status symbol.