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Fellowship to provide new approaches to equine grass sickness
The cause of equine grass sickness remains unknown.
Researchers to engage with vets and horse owners to develop sample biobank.

The Moredun Foundation (TMF) has announced a collaboration with the Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) to launch a three-year Fellowship to develop new approaches to equine grass sickness (EGS) research.

Based at Moredun's International Research Unit, the Fellowship aims to establish a national database and sample biobank with the assistance of a UK-wide network of vets and horse owners. Key to this will be the study of novel strands of research using the latest technologies, supported by senior researchers and Fellows.

“This is a really exciting project bringing together a truly multi-disciplinary team working in collaboration to provide new approaches to this awful disease,” explained Dr Beth Wells from Moredun. “We are very grateful to TMF and the EGSF for their foresight in funding this post which, as well as taking forward new ideas and research strands, will involve extensive engagement with vets and horse owners to establish the database and biobank.”

Research into equine grass sickness began in the 1920s when the disease was responsible for the deaths of many working horses on farms. The cause remains unknown, but researchers are in agreement that it is likely to be multi-factorial.

Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments for EGS and approximately 80 per cent of horses that catch the disease do not survive.

“The EGS Fellowship marks a step-change in the way we approach this enigmatic disease,” said Kate Thomson for the EGSF. “We plan to engage the considerable expertise amongst horse owners and other equine charities as ‘EGS detectives’ in submitting case reports and samples to the biobank.”

The EGS research update, which helped pave the way for this project, can be downloaded from grasssickness.org.uk. Recruitment for this post is expected to begin shortly.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.