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Study reveals increasing drug resistance of parasitic nematodes
Horse
Cyathostomins can be life-threatening in horses when they are present in large numbers.
Results highlight the threat of increasing drug resistance in worm populations

New research carried out by scientists at the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh, in collaboration with the Universities of Liverpool and Bristol, has highlighted the threat of multi-drug resistance in worm populations infecting horses.
 
The study investigated the efficacy of antihelmintic drugs in treating cyathostomins, a group of parasitic nematodes (worms) that are highly prevalent in horses, and may be life threatening in large numbers.
 
Antihelmintic drugs have been used indiscriminately to control these worms in horses for the last 40 years, but the results show that the drugs are not controlling the parasite as effectively as they used to.
 
Published this week in the International Journal for Parasitology, the study analyses the efficacy of the four available broad spectrum antihelmintic drugs, on 16 thoroughbred stud farms in the UK. The percentage reduction of cyathostomin worm egg counts found in the faeces of the horses after treatment was calculated, as well as the time to egg re-appearance following treatment.
 
The results revealed that while Ivermectin and Moxidectin showed acceptable efficacy at two weeks post-treatment, the time period to the reappearance of worm eggs in the faeces of the horses was shorter than previously observed.
 
Worm resistance was measured at two weeks post treatment, and observed against the other two antihelmintic products examined, Fenbendazole and Pyrantel. Resistance to Ivermectin was also identified in the common roundworm of foals, Parascaris equorum.
 
Professor Jaqueline Matthews, deputy director at Moredun, said: “These results from a comprehensive study involving several thoroughbred stud farms suggest that the common antihelmintic products are working less effectively than measured previously, and indicate the presence of multi-drug resistance.
 
"It is therefore important that more sustainable strategies for worm control be deployed in practice. These involve evidence based protocols using worm egg count analysis to direct treatments at certain times of year (spring and summer) and should be designed with input from a veterinary surgeon or SQP.”
 

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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.