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HRH The Princess Royal supports new research into equine grass sickness
HRH The Princess Royal took part in a special podcast in the On Farm series to launch the new research Fellowship.

Moredun Foundation and Equine Grass Sickness Research Fund join forces on research Fellowship.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has helped to launch a new research drive which aims to investigate the often fatal disease equine grass sickness.

The cause of equine grass sickness (EGS) still remains unclear and there are currently no treatments or vaccines to prevent the disease. Around 80 per cent of horses that contract EGS do not survive.

The Moredun Foundation (TMF) and The Equine Grass Sickness Fund (EGSF) are working together on an innovative three-year research Fellowship into EGS which will pool knowledge from both horse owners and researchers to help tackle the disease.

HRH The Princess Royal said: “I think that for Moredun to launch a Research Fellowship as part of its centenary and to choose to do so on equine grass sickness is pretty significant given their history, background and success in so many areas with livestock and diseases and I am delighted to launch this new Fellowship for equine grass sickness at Moredun.”

The new research Fellow will be based at the Moredun Research Institute, leading the development of a new database and sample biobank to support future research.

Horse owners are being encouraged to take part in the project by becoming 'EGS detectives'. Reporting cases of the disease and submitting samples for the biobank as well as helping to raise awareness of EGS in their area.

Anne Logan, chair of the Equine Grass Sickness Fund said,:“It is a very exciting time for the Equine Grass Sickness Fund and we are delighted to be working with Moredun to take a fresh look at the disease through the work of the new Fellow and to develop a new database and biobank of samples as a valuable research resource going forward.”

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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.