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Study highlights potential of avian influenza to infect commercial flocks
Migrating birds harbouring weaker viruses are more likely to pass avian flu to domestic flocks.
Migrating birds with weaker virus more likely to pass disease to domestic flocks.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute have revealed insights into avian influenza viruses and their potential to infect commercial flocks.  

Scientists found that avian influenza viruses can readily exchange genetic material with other low pathogenic viruses during migration, increasing the chance of a serious outbreak occurring on domestic poultry and wild birds.

Dr Sam Lycett from the Roslin Institute explains: “Bird flu viruses can readily exchange genetic material with other influenza viruses and this, in combination with repeated transmission of viruses between domestic and wild birds, means that a viral strain can emerge and persist in wild bird populations, which carries a high risk of disease for poultry.

“This aids our understanding of how a pathogenic avian flu virus could become established in wild bird populations."

In the study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers analysed the genetic makeup of the 2016/17 avian influenza virus in various birds at key stages during the flu season.

They found that the virus could easily exchange genetic material with other, less harmful viruses, at times and locations corresponding to bird migratory cycle. These included viruses carried by wild birds on intersecting migratory routes, and by farmed ducks in China and central Europe.

The research also revealed that migrating birds harbouring weaker viruses are more likely to survive their journey and potentially pass the disease to domestic birds.

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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.