I refer to the letter, "Strays pose a significant health risk ", by Dr John
James (Today, May 27).

My fellow veterinarians and I would like to state categorically that we
disagree with the views expressed by Dr James. We believe that the majority
of practising vets in Singapore do not share his views.

We have also not heard of Dr James. A check with the Singapore Veterinary
Association has confirmed that he is not registered as a practising vet in
Singapore.

As a vet who has been practising here for nine years, I have treated
thousands of stray cats. My fellow vets have also had close proximity to
stray cats on a daily basis. None of us have ever been in the "serious
life-threatening danger" that Dr James claims cats pose to humans nor have
any of us been infected with a fatal disease.

As long as good basic personal hygiene is practised, the risks of
contracting any disease from animals is minimal. If people are concered
about diseases being transmittable from animals, they should check with the
relevant authorities.

Dr Ling Khoon Hsing
BVSc MRCVS

Dr Kuan Soo Yuin   BVsc
Dr Bryan Oon    BVSc
Dr Eugene Lin   BVSc
Dr Caroline Hecker   BVSc
Dr Oksana Bodnaruk   DVM
Dr Serena Oh   BVetMed MRCVS
Dr Paolo Martelli   DVM
Dr Frederic Chua   BVSc
Dr Sulyni Tan   BVSc
Dr Chan Li Jun   BVetMed MRCVS
Dr Boon Chia Yun   BVetMed MRCVS
Dr Karthigesu   DVM
Dr Adoncia Thian   BSc BVMS
Dr Winnie Teo   BVSc
Dr Nathalee Prakash   BSc BVMS
Dr Geetha Nellinathan   BSc BVetMed MRCVS
Dr Soh Li-Ming   BVSc
Dr Robin Au   BVSc BVMS
Dr Grace Heng BVSc
Dr Karen Ng   BVSc