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Questions raised over EIV vaccine role
New review looks at the efficacy of flu vaccination

A state-of-the-art review published in this month's Equine Veterinary Journal has raised questions about the role of equine flu vaccination in limiting the spread of infection and reducing the severity of clinical signs.

Lead author Dr Janet Daly, a virologist from the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine, investigates how mathematical modelling could help us bring equine influenza (EIV) under control and protect horses more effectively.

The review, entitled "What can mathematical models bring to the control of equine influenza?", collates findings from a number of studies over the past 10 years.

Dr Daly concludes that while vaccination does reduce the occurrence and limit the severity of outbreaks, the protection given by equine flu vaccines is not as straightforward as we may have thought.

According to the review, EIV has the ability to mutate, thereby reducing the effectiveness of older vaccines. According to the review, none of the vaccines currently on sale in the UK contain the most recently recommended strains of the virus.

Although EIV is rarely fatal, it is highly contagious and can cause serious disruptions to training and competition schedules, resulting in large revenue losses in the equine industry.

Dr Daly said: "This study will help further our understanding of how to better protect horses against the effects of equine influenza.

"Mathematical modellers have to make some assumptions in developing models, but models are informed by and tested against real data. As a virologist, I find the questions about the data they need to generate their models challenge me to think differently about the disease."

Meanwhile, the BEVA is working with key parties to encourage further education and surveillance of EIV and establish revised guidelines to facilitate and reduce costs of approvals for vaccine strain updates.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.