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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2019-08-09
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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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Zoo animals step on the scales for annual weigh-in

News Story 1
 Squirrel monkeys, penguins and meerkats are just some of the animals that stepped on the scales on Thursday (22 August) for the start of ZSL London Zoo’s annual weigh-in.

The annual event gives keepers a chance to check the animals in their care are healthy, eating well and growing at the correct weight. Keepers say that a growing waistline can also help them to detect pregnancies, which is vital as many of the species at the zoo are endangered.

The data is then added to a database shared with zoos and conservationists across the globe. This helps keepers to compare information and provide better care for the species they are fighting to protect.  

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News Shorts
Professor Abdul Rahman announced as keynote speaker for BVA Members’ Day 2019

Celebrated Indian vet and parasitologist Professor Abdul Rahman is set to deliver the keynote speech at BVA Members’ Day 2019.

Professor Rahman will present his insights into the human behaviour challenges of controlling zoonotic disease in his talk: ‘A One Health approach to rabies elimination in Asia’. The talk will outline efforts to gain political support for dog vaccination programmes in China, as well as the need for a collaborative approach between vets, public health, livestock and animal welfare agencies.

The event takes place on Thursday, 19 September at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. Tickets are free but must be reserved through the BVA website as places are limited.