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New saliva test for tapeworm burden
horse
Just 19 per cent of horses tested had a tapeworm burden needing treatment.
Tapeworm test could help the fight against drug resistance, says ADB

Horses can now be tested for tapeworm using a saliva sample for the first time, thanks to a new laboratory test developed by Austin Davis Biologics Ltd (ADB).

Previously, the only definitive method of testing for tapeworm was via blood taken by a vet. The new EquiSal Tapeworm Test is the first of its kind to use saliva to measure a horse's tapeworm burden.

It uses a sample of the horse's saliva, taken using a specially developed swab. The level of tapeworm-specific antibodies is analysed at the EquiSal laboratory to give an indication of the horse's tapeworm burden.

It is hoped that routine testing for tapeworm will be more accessible to horse owners as a result.

David Booth, managing director at Westgate Laboratories, who offer the test, said: "This will revolutionise the way we worm for tapeworm in horses. Worm counts and saliva testing must now become the core of everyone’s worming programme if we are to preserve the few effective wormers we have left."

ADB director Dr Corrine Austin said the number of horses with tapeworm appears to be lower than expected. "Only 19 per cent of horses tested had a tapeworm burden requiring treatment. This percentage is even lower in well managed yards.

"Many animals are being over-wormed for tapeworm when routine dosing strategies are used. Routine dosing increases the speed at which worms gain resistance, and with only two drugs licensed for tapeworm in horses, this should be a major concern to horse owners."

Current advice is to test horses twice a year at six monthly intervals and a minimum of four months after the last tapeworm dosing.

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk