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Equine small redworm blood test study published
The test enables horse owners to work with their vets in targeting anthelmintic treatments against cyathostomin infection.
Paper describes the research undertaken to define the final format of the test. 

Research into the equine small redworm (cyathostomin) blood test has been published in the International Journal of Parasitology to provide vets with additional evidence on its accuracy.

The paper details the research that was undertaken to define the final format of the test, developed by the Moredun Research Institute and commercialised by Austin Davis Biologics in September 2019.

The test enables horse owners to work with their vets in targeting anthelmintic treatments against cyathostomin infections, and therefore ensure that the drug is only administered when it is really needed.

Professor Jacqui Matthews, chief technology officer at Roslin Technologies and inventor of the test, said: “This research paper describes the selection of antigens that provide coverage for detecting the commonest cyathostomin species found globally”.

Dr Corrine Austin, director at Austin Davis Biologics, commented: “Publication of this research is important as it provides veterinarians with additional evidence of the commercial test’s accuracy. Following on from this published research, we conducted additional validation and optimisation of the test for use on robotic systems.”

Dr Stewart Burgess, principal investigator at the Moredun Research Institute added: “The availability of the test greatly benefits evidence-based worm control in horses and fills an important gap in the diagnostic toolbox for equine veterinarians”.

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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.