Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th August 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.