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Trial shows promise for facial tumour cure
Lead author Dr Cesar Tovar said the findings confirm it is possible to trigger the devil’s immune system to recognise and destroy DFTD tumours.
Immunotherapy shrank tumours in Tasmanian devils

Scientists say they have had a ‘eureka’ moment in using immunotherapy to cure Tasmanian devils of the deadly devil facial tumour disease (DFTD).

Led by the University of Tasmania, an international research team used immunotherapy on devils with golf-ball-sized tumours and observed the tumours shrinking and disappearing over a period of three months.

“This is almost a eureka moment for us because it’s the first time we can say for sure that it was the immunotherapy that was making the tumour shrink,” said Professor Greg Woods, who led the team at the university’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research.

Lead author Dr Cesar Tovar added that the findings confirm it is possible to trigger the devil’s immune system to recognise and destroy DFTD tumours.

“Our research shows that a DFTD vaccine is feasible. We are focusing our efforts on developing strategies to improve the devils’ response to immunisation.”

The breakthrough is the next step on from research published in 2015, which revealed the devil’s immune system was capable of mounting an immune response to DFTD.

“This is an important step along the way to developing a vaccine to protect against DFTD and potentially to cure devils of established DFTD,” Prof Woods added.

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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
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.