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Scientists create TB-resistant cows
cow
Scientists used a gene editing tool to insert a mouse gene into the genome of cattle.
Mouse gene could hold the key to TB control

Scientists in China have managed to develop 13 genetically-modified cows that are resistant to TB infection.

Using a gene editing tool called TALEN, scientists from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture were able to insert the mouse gene SP110 - which was already believed to offer protection against TB - into the genome of Holstein-Friesian cattle.

In total, 23 transgenic cattle were produced and 13 of these survived into adulthood. According to the research paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), these cattle showed increased resistance to bovine TB.

Mycobacterium bovis was introduced into the lungs of three transgenic cows and three control cows, which were killed 16 weeks after infection. Scientists then examined the lung, lymph nodes, spleen and liver for lesions.

One of the three transgenic cows was found to have no sign of lesions and the two transgenic cows that were infected were found to have a significantly reduced bacterial load in the organs.

A further transmission study found that out of nine transgenic cows, six showed no sign of TB infection and the three with lesions again showed minimal damage to the lung and lymph nodes, compared to the control group.

Commenting on the research, Professor Heiner Niemann, head of the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics in Germany told The Guardian: "These findings are another step towards the creation of disease-resistant livestock animals based on advanced genetic tools."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."