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Fat 'crucial' for Marek's disease virus infection
Worldwide losses relating to MDV are estimated to cost up to $2 billion.
Researchers identify new pathways involved in development of the disease

The storage and production of fat is crucial for Marek’s disease virus (MDV) to replicate in chickens, according to new research.

The study, published in the Journal of Virology, identifies new pathways that are involved in the development of the disease. Scientists say these can help to generate control strategies for the virus which could reduce its spread.

Study author Dr Shahriar Behboudi from The Pirbright Institute said: “Some viruses exploit host cell machinery to produce components required for their replication and spread. We found that MDV uses the host cells to produce and store fats, contributing to the replication of the virus and possibly clogging the arteries.”

MDV is a highly contagious disease of chickens that leads to the build-up of fatty substances in the arteries. The disease is a major threat to the poultry industry, with worldwide losses relating to MDV estimated to cost up to $2 billion.

Researchers identified chemical inhibitors that disrupted two different but connected fat-production pathways which significantly reduced virus replication.

The scientists say that while these inhibitors helped them to identify the cellular mechanisms the virus disrupts, they would not be suitable for anti-viral development owing to their side effects. There would also be the possibility of transfer to meat and eggs.

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.