diff --git a/fink_filters/__init__.py b/fink_filters/__init__.py
index 062717b..fc26a58 100644
--- a/fink_filters/__init__.py
+++ b/fink_filters/__init__.py
@@ -13,4 +13,4 @@
 # See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 # limitations under the License.
 
-__version__ = "7.8"
+__version__ = "7.9"
diff --git a/fink_filters/ztf/livestream/filter_early_kn_candidates/filter.py b/fink_filters/ztf/livestream/filter_early_kn_candidates/filter.py
index ddc4bc8..734ca5a 100644
--- a/fink_filters/ztf/livestream/filter_early_kn_candidates/filter.py
+++ b/fink_filters/ztf/livestream/filter_early_kn_candidates/filter.py
@@ -35,6 +35,8 @@
 from fink_filters import __file__
 from fink_filters.tester import spark_unit_tests
 
+log = logging.Logger("Kilonova filter")
+
 
 def perform_classification(
     drb,
@@ -143,7 +145,12 @@ def perform_classification(
             )
             # for a test on "many" objects, you may wait 1s to stay under the
             # query limit.
-            table = SDSS.query_region(pos, fields=["type"], radius=5 * u.arcsec)
+            try:
+                table = SDSS.query_region(pos, fields=["type"], radius=5 * u.arcsec)
+            except requests.exceptions.ReadTimeout:
+                log.warning("Timeout when querying SDSS servers")
+                table = None
+
             type_close_objects = []
             if table is not None:
                 type_close_objects = table["type"]
@@ -454,7 +461,6 @@ def early_kn_candidates(
                     headers={"Content-Type": "application/json"},
                 )
             else:
-                log = logging.Logger("Kilonova filter")
                 log.warning(error_message.format(url_name))
 
         # Grandma amateur channel
@@ -475,7 +481,6 @@ def early_kn_candidates(
                 headers={"Content-Type": "application/json"},
             )
         else:
-            log = logging.Logger("Kilonova filter")
             log.warning(error_message.format("KNWEBHOOK_AMA_GALAXIES"))
 
         # DWF channel and requirements
@@ -490,7 +495,6 @@ def early_kn_candidates(
                 headers={"Content-Type": "application/json"},
             )
         else:
-            log = logging.Logger("Kilonova filter")
             log.warning(error_message.format("KNWEBHOOK_DWF"))
 
     return mask_filter