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Besnoitiosis reported in UK donkeys for the first time
Equine besnoitiosis leads to the development of tiny cysts on the surface of the eye.

Rare disease discovered in 20 donkeys from the Donkey Sanctuary.
 
A chronic and debilitating equine disease has been identified in donkeys in the UK for the first time.

Writing in the journal Parasites and Vectors, researchers report the discovery of equine besnoitiosis in 20 donkeys from the Donkey Sanctuary during the period 2013-2019.

Equine besnoitiosis a rare disease that occurs in horses, donkeys, mules and zebras. Donkeys with the condition develop multiple parasitic cysts on the skin, over the nostrils, ears and face.

A unique feature of besnoitiosis is the development of tiny cysts on the surface of the eye. Some infected animals remain otherwise healthy, while others become thin and debilitated. Until recently,
besnoitiosis was a rare condition in most countries, including in the US, Spain, Belgium, and Italy.

Equine besnoitiosis was first detected in the UK in 2013 when a donkey at the Donkey Sanctuary was presented with skin lumps presumed to be sarcoid tumours. Analysis of the affected skin tissue revealed the presence of cysts similar to those caused by the parasite Besnoitia bennetti, together with the finding of tissue changes associated with a sarcoid.

The discovery triggered a collaboration between clinicians at the Donkey Sanctuary and a veterinary parasitologist from the University of Nottingham. Since then more than 20 clinical cases have been identified and studied.

“Given the relative proximity to other European countries, where clinical besnoitiosis is apparent, our findings will inform British vets of the potential for this emerging disease so that they can better recognise the pattern of clinical signs during clinical examination, said Dr Rebekah Sullivan, co-author of the report and a vet at the Donkey Sanctuary.
 
Lead author Dr Hany Elsheikha of the University of Nottingham, said: “It is absolutely essential – particularly now – that vets in the UK learn more about besnoitiosis, so they can identify and protect donkeys potentially at risk.
 
“Knowledge obtained in this study should improve our response to this emerging parasitic disease in donkeys in the UK, especially with the few treatment options and the unknown routes of transmission.”

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.