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Scientists create TB-resistant cows
cow
Scientists used a gene editing tool to insert a mouse gene into the genome of cattle.
Mouse gene could hold the key to TB control

Scientists in China have managed to develop 13 genetically-modified cows that are resistant to TB infection.

Using a gene editing tool called TALEN, scientists from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture were able to insert the mouse gene SP110 - which was already believed to offer protection against TB - into the genome of Holstein-Friesian cattle.

In total, 23 transgenic cattle were produced and 13 of these survived into adulthood. According to the research paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), these cattle showed increased resistance to bovine TB.

Mycobacterium bovis was introduced into the lungs of three transgenic cows and three control cows, which were killed 16 weeks after infection. Scientists then examined the lung, lymph nodes, spleen and liver for lesions.

One of the three transgenic cows was found to have no sign of lesions and the two transgenic cows that were infected were found to have a significantly reduced bacterial load in the organs.

A further transmission study found that out of nine transgenic cows, six showed no sign of TB infection and the three with lesions again showed minimal damage to the lung and lymph nodes, compared to the control group.

Commenting on the research, Professor Heiner Niemann, head of the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics in Germany told The Guardian: "These findings are another step towards the creation of disease-resistant livestock animals based on advanced genetic tools."

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.