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Scientists using ‘deep learning’ to predict bTB status in cows
The project aims to produce data that can be used for diagnostic and management purposes.
Method set to become ‘key weapon’ in fight against the disease

Researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are using ‘deep learning’ to predict the Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) status of dairy cows.

Deep learning is a form of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks to learn from large data sets. Researchers hope that by using the method to analyse milk samples, they will strike a significant blow to the disease - thought to cost the UK dairy industry some £175 million every year.

Project leader Professor Mike Coffey said: “This is potentially a great step forward in the fight against TB. Being able to use routinely collected milk samples to alert a cow that may have been exposed to infection will allow the farmer to take remedial action long before the normal testing regime comes in.

“The early removal of infected cows should lower the background level of TB and contribute to enabling more effective outcomes from the existing tools deployed to eradicate the disease.”

The project has received £337,000 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to produce data that can be used for management and diagnostic purposes. It also aims to produce data for potential inclusion in national genetic evaluations for bTB host resistance.

The funding follows Defra’s review of its 25-year bTB eradication strategy, which now specifically includes “improved genetic resistance and improved diagnostic tests”.

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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."