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'Tongue worm' reported in imported dogs
dog
'Veterinary practitioners should be alert to the possibility of L serrata, particularly in imported dogs.'
Vets advised to be vigilant for potentially zoonotic parasite
 
Parasitologists are warning vets to be alert for cases of tongue worm (Linguatula serrata) in the UK after a number of recent cases in stray dogs imported from Romania.

The parasite is potentially zoonotic and there have been reports of rare human cases involving parasite localisation in the eye.

Writing in Vet Record (179, 10), a group of UK experts advised the uptake of strict hygiene measures for handling pets if the parasite is confirmed or suspected. Eggs can be expelled from the mouth, nose or faeces, and may contaminate the pet's coat.

The authors wrote: 'Veterinary practitioners should be alert to the possibility of L serrata, particularly in imported dogs, and should treat appropriately and provide the correct advice to owners.'

Infected dogs may be asymptomatic or have mucopurulent nasal discharge, epistaxis and sneezing. The adult parasite is an elongated tongue shape and large in size - males are up to 20mm and females 30-130mm long. It is found in the nasal cavities or sinuses in dogs, foxes and other canids.

Animals become infected by eating raw offal from infected intermediate hosts, such as sheep, goats, cattle, rabbits and horses. The parasite has previously been reported in foxes in the UK, but the recent cases were in dogs imported from Romania, where dogs are commonly fed raw meat.

Treatment may involve nasal flushing with warm salty water to help detach the parasites. Screening of eggs in nasal flushes could also be carried out to identify them. Surgical removal may not be appropriate as the parasites can attach to the sinuses.

In Romania, macrocyclic lactones are used for treatment. There is also a report of parasite expulsion after milbemycin oxime treatment in a dog.  

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.