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New app helps vets double rabies vaccination rates
Vets vaccinated 70 per cent of Blantyre's dog population in just 11 days.

Agile vaccine scheme tackles rabies threat in Malawi

A new, adaptive approach to dog vaccination that utilises innovative smart phone technology has the potential to boost vaccination rates and ensure that more people are protected from rabies.

Veterinary surgeons working with Mission Rabies in the city of Blantyre in Malawi were able to half the time it takes to complete dog vaccination programmes by using a custom-made app which finds areas with low inoculation rates in real time.

According to the University of Edinburgh – which contributed to the project – distance from drop-in centres was the biggest reason why owners did not get their dog vaccinated against rabies.

To tackle this problem, veterinary professionals led by the University of Edinburgh and Mission Rabies developed a new approach using the app, which was created alongside the Worldwide Veterinary Service.

The team increased the number of drop-in centres within around 800 metres of owners' homes in Blantyre from 44 to 77. Research showed that most owners were willing to walk this distance.

'Roaming' vaccination centres were used in areas with low uptake and the team also reached out to local communities and media outlets to spread awareness of the scheme.

Veterinary professionals targeted 70 per cent of the city's dog population, totalling some 35,000 animals. They vaccinated them in 11 days – half the time it typically takes to complete dog vaccination programmes.

The scheme only needed 904 staff days, as opposed to 1,719.

Lead researcher Dr Stella Mazeri, veterinary epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “Delivering vaccinations to at risk populations in a highly efficient manner is a major societal challenge. Attempts to eliminate rabies remain under funded despite knowing that dog vaccination is a highly effective way to reduce the disease burden in both humans and dogs.

“We are pleased to see that the real time interrogation of data has allowed us to improve the efficiency of vaccination clinics.”

Images (c) Mission Rabies.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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.