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RVC and UCL to pioneer research into Parkinson's disease
Researchers will use the funding to explore the possibilities of future prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Vets to explore the possibilities of future prevention and treatment.

A pioneering study into the causes and progression of Parkinson's disease is to be carried out by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in collaboration with University College London (UCL).

The news follows a $7 million grant from Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP), an initiative that fosters collaboration and resources to better understand the underlying causes of this debilitating disease.

Researchers will use the funding to explore the possibilities of future prevention and treatment of Parkinson's. Specifically, the team will investigate the role of the LRRK2 gene - one of the most common genetic causes of the disease and a priority drug target.

Dr Patrick Lewis, Professor of Neuroscience at the RVC, said: “The Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s foundation grants represents a new way of approaching research into Parkinson’s, with the clear goal of accelerating progress in our understanding of this disorder. It is a real privilege to be involved in this initiative.”

Parkinson's is a progressive brain disorder that causes slowness, stiffness, tremors and walking and balance problems. The condition affects more than 130,000 people in the UK alone, and the only current available treatments help to alleviate symptoms, but not slow progression of the disease.

Professor Jonathan Elliott, vice-principal (Research and Innovation) at the RVC, said: “The RVC is delighted to be part of this large collaborative effort to advance treatments for Parkinson’s Disease. Neurodegenerative conditions significantly impact on the quality of life of our ageing human population in the UK and Professor Lewis’ role in this collaboration is exciting in its potential to uncover new drug targets to slow progressive loss of functioning neurons."

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Free event for the global unowned cat community

News Story 1
 International Cat Care (ICatCare) has announced a free, virtual event dedicated to caring for unowned cats to explore new ideas and ways of working.

iCatConnect 2025 takes place on Wednesday, 12 November, and is open to everyone working and volunteering with unowned cats. It will include a line-up of 12 international cat welfare experts, who will consider the bigger picture of unowned cats and explore practical, effective, and inclusive solutions.

Following the session, attendees can put their questions to the experts and share their views. They will also hear frontline challenges and real-world case studies shared by contributors working in shelters, TNR, community cat programmes, and veterinary teams from around the world. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.