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Stem cell breakthrough benefits horse health
Horses
Scientists have created working nerve cells from horse stem cells for the first time.
Discovery could offer new treatments for neurological conditions

A breakthrough in stem cell research could pave the way for new treatments for neurological conditions in horses. For the first time, Edinburgh scientists have succeeded in creating working nerve cells from horse stem cells.

Researchers from the Roslin Institute say the breakthrough could help horses suffering from neurological conditions such as equine grass sickness (EGS) and conditions similar to motor neurone disease in humans.

EGS affects about 600 horses in the UK each year, causing nerve damage throughout the body. No specific treatments are currently available and the disease is poorly understood. EGS in its most serious form is usually fatal.

Roslin scientists took skin cells from a young horse, turning them into stem cells using a technique developed for human cells. These cells were then used to create nerve cells in the laboratory.

The team tested the functionality of the cells in a test tube, proving they could transmit nerve signals.

Scientists say this discovery provides a powerful new tool for studying horse diseases and testing new drugs.

The study has been published in Stem Cells and Development. Author Dr Xavier Donadeu from the institute explained: "Stem cells hold huge therapeutic potential both for people and animals.

"Our research is an important step towards realising that potential for horses and provides an opportunity to validate stem-cell based therapies before clinical studies in humans."

Veterinary surgeons all over the world already use stem cell therapies to treat horses for different conditions. However, these therapies use adult stem cells, which are harder to maintain and more restricted in the types of cells they can become.

Mostly used to treat tendon ligament and joint problems, the efficacy of these therapies is not entirely proven.

The study is available online here http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/scd.2013.0565.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.