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New blood test for small redworms in horses announced
The test will be available to horse owners from September 2019.

Test will be available to horse owners from September 2019

A new blood test to help diagnose small redworms in horses, including encysted larvae, has been developed by scientists at the Moredun Research Institute (MRI).

The test will be available to horse owners from September 2019 following extensive research and will be launched by commercial partner, Austin Davis Biologics (ADB).


Professor Jacqui Matthews, who led the Matthews research group at MRI, said: “It is great to see the commercialisation of this much-needed test to support sustainable worm control in horses.

“The test fills an important gap in our diagnostic toolbox and will enable horse owners to work with their veterinarians in targeting anthelmintic treatments against cyathostomin infections and hence help protect these important medicines for the future."

MRI business development manager Rhona Macdonald added: “We are delighted that the research has led to the development of a new blood test to help diagnose small redworms in horses and that the test is now available through Austin Davis Biologics.”


The new service provision marks the first phase in developing the blood test for commercialisation. 


Dr Corrine Austin of ADB said: “We are thrilled to be making this test available to horse owners after extensive research has been conducted to achieve high accuracy. ADB are now developing laboratory ELISA [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] kits to enable independent veterinary laboratories to conduct blood testing. 


“These kits are expected to reach market during 2020. Research into the saliva-based test is ongoing and is expected to be commercialised several years from now.”

Veterinary practices interested in the diagnostic test service can register their interest at info@austindavis.co.uk

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.