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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd May 2018
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Promising new live vaccine for equine influenza
The vaccine was created using reverse genetics, which means it can be updated to protect against emerging strains.
Scientists say progress is important for human and animal health

A new ‘live attenuated’ vaccine against equine influenza is showing promise, an initial trial suggests.

According to a paper published in the journal Virology, a single spray of the vaccine protected mice and horses against the H3N8 equine influenza virus, which is currently circulating.

Vaccinated horses reportedly showed none of the ‘tell-tale’ signs of influenza - which include nasal discharge, coughing and wheezing - after being exposed to a natural virus. In addition, scientists said no negative side effects were seen.

However, the study was small and involved only six horses, so plans are underway to conduct a larger study.

Given as a spray through the nose, the vaccine works by replicating and generating an immune response in the nose, where the virus first enters the body. Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center said the idea is to stop the virus taking hold in the horse’s respiratory tract.

The vaccine was created using a genetic engineering technique called reverse genetics, which offers a major advantage as it can be updated quickly and easily to protect against emerging strains. Traditional vaccines, on the other hand, take months to produce and do not allow the same flexibility.

Equine influenza is currently circulating in North America and Europe and is highly contagious, yet there has not been an updated vaccine for 25 years.

Associate professor Luis Martinez-Sobrido, said a new vaccine is not only important for animal health, but for humans too.

Animals such as horses, pigs and dogs can be infected with multiple influenza viruses and have the potential to act as ‘mixing vessels’, creating new strains that could infect people. While this has not yet occurred, it is possible, and these strains would be particularly dangerous as humans would have no pre-existing immunity.

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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. 

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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.