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Scientists using ‘deep learning’ to predict bTB status in cows
The project aims to produce data that can be used for diagnostic and management purposes.
Method set to become ‘key weapon’ in fight against the disease

Researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are using ‘deep learning’ to predict the Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) status of dairy cows.

Deep learning is a form of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to learn from large data sets. Researchers hope that by using the method to analyse milk samples, they will strike a significant blow to the disease - thought to cost the UK dairy industry some £175 million every year.

Project leader Professor Mike Coffey said: “This is potentially a great step forward in the fight against TB. Being able to use routinely collected milk samples to alert a cow that may have been exposed to infection will allow the farmer to take remedial action long before the normal testing regime comes in.

“The early removal of infected cows should lower the background level of TB and contribute to enabling more effective outcomes from the existing tools deployed to eradicate the disease.”

The project has received £337,000 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to produce data that can be used for management and diagnostic purposes. It also aims to produce data for potential inclusion in national genetic evaluations for bTB host resistance.

The funding follows Defra’s review of its 25-year bTB eradication strategy, which now specifically includes “improved genetic resistance and improved diagnostic tests”.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.