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Immune system ‘could aggravate BRSV’
Scientists say large numbers of neutrophils contribute to some of the short term clinical signs associated with BRSV.
Decreasing neutrophil response could improve clinical signs - study  

Immune cells designed to clear infections could worsen respiratory disease caused by bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), according to new research.

The team of international scientists behind the study are the first to simultaneously examine hundreds of proteins that are involved in the response of calves to BRSV, which infects the lungs of cattle.

Findings published in PLOS ONE suggest there is a link between the numbers of immune cells, or neutrophils, clinical signs of disease, lung tissue damage and the amount of virus in the lungs of infected calves.

It is thought that neutrophils aid the clearance of of BRSV - and the closely related human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) - by removing infected cells. When they appear in excessive numbers, however, they appear to have the opposite effect, releasing harmful substances that destroy the lung and block the airways.

Scientists say large numbers of neutrophils contribute to some of the short term clinical signs associated with BRSV, such as breathing problems.

An exaggerated neutrophil response can also result in longer-term effects, the study suggests. This is down to their ability to remodel lung tissue, which increases the time it takes for clinical signs to clear, even after the virus has been eliminated. In severe and early human RSV infections, it is thought that over-stimulation of neutrophils could increase the likelihood of asthma.

Dr Geraldine Taylor, honorary fellow at Pirbright Institute, said: “Our findings suggest treatments that decrease the response of neutrophils could improve clinical signs both in the short and long term.”

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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.