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Horses and ponies needed for EGS trial
horses grazing
As vaccinations prevent similar equine diseases including tetanus and botulism, it is hoped a vaccine may also be able to prevent EGS.
Pioneering vaccine trial by AHT is in its second year

A groundbreaking equine grass sickness (EGS) trial is now in its second year and the Animal Health Trust (AHT) is looking to recruit more horses.

Last year, AHT launched the trial to find out whether a vaccine could prevent this debilitating and often fatal disease. EGS affects horses, ponies and donkeys, causing damage to the nervous system and paralysis of the gut.

Britain has the highest incidence of EGS in the world, with 59 cases reported last year through the EGS Surveillance Scheme. This is thought to represent just a fraction of the cases occurring annually in Britain.

In almost all cases, EGS occurs in horses with access to grazing. Increasingly, scientific evidence suggests the disease is caused by Clostridium botulinum type C - a bacterium commonly found in soil. It produces neurotoxins to which horses are particularly sensitive.

As vaccinations prevent similar equine diseases including tetanus and botulism, it is hoped a vaccine may also be able to prevent EGS. AHT is collaborating with the universities of Edinburgh, Liverpool and Surrey to find out if this is the case.

Horses and ponies enrolled on the trial receive either a C. botulinum type C toxoid vaccine or a placebo, as well as an annual booster. During the trial, researchers monitor the incidence of EGS to determine the vaccine's efficacy. Horses and ponies are also monitored through regular follow ups throughout the trial period.

The high risk season for EGS is fast approaching. Around 60 per cent of cases are seen in April-June.

Prior to the high risk months, AHT is looking to recruit horses on premises that have had at least one case of EGS in the past three years. The trust is asking vets to help by encouraging clients with suitable horses to sign up for the trial.

Dr Jo Ireland, AHT's EGS research co-ordinator, said: "We have been delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to the EGS vaccine trial and many owners have welcomed the chance to be a part of such important research.

"We don’t want any eligible horse owners to miss out on the opportunity to contribute towards a potential breakthrough in the prevention of EGS, so we are encouraging more owners to enrol their horses on the trial this year."

For more information about the trial, visit AHT's dedicated EGS website: www.equinegrasssickness.co.uk or email: equinegrasssickness@aht.org.uk

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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.