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Moredun releases animation on Toxoplasmosis
"This video will be an incredible educational tool for different audiences" - Dr Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena.
The educational resource outlines how to tackle the disease.

The Moredun Research Institute and the University of São Paulo (USP) have created a short animated film to educate people on Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Produced by Ping Creates, led by Selina Wagner, 'Tackling Toxoplasmosis' is available in English and Portuguese.

Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBRSC), and the São Paulo Research Foundation, Brazil (FAPESP), the animation describes the life cycle, transmission routes and control options for the parasite. 

Toxoplasma gondii can infect all warm-blooded animals, and is shed in the faeces of cats. The parasite can cause abortion in sheep, and can also be transmitted to people through undercooked infected meat and contaminated water. 

In some areas of the world, including South America, some strains of the parasite can cause severe disease. 

The animation presents the control options that farmers can take to prevent infection in livestock, and for people to avoid becoming infected from contaminated food or water. 

Dr Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena, principal scientist at University of  São Paulo and co-investigator on BBSRC-FAPESP grant, said: “Ping Creates did a really great job with this animated video. 

“We enjoyed contributing ideas to the video and helping with the Brazilian Portuguese translation of the narration. 

“Toxoplasmosis occurs widely in Brazil, and the video will be an incredible educational tool for different audiences (it is clear, light in tone, and thoroughly informative). We hope it will increase awareness regarding this significant disease.” 

Dr Clare Hamilton, project lead on BBSRC-FAPESP grant, commented: “We really enjoyed working with Selina and her team, and they have done a superb job creating a fun and engaging animation. 

“The life cycle and transmission routes of Toxoplasma can be quite complicated, but the animation makes it easy to follow and gets all the key points across. 

“It is a fantastic educational resource for us to share with farmers, stakeholders, and members of the public, both in the UK and Brazil.”

The animation can be watched here. 

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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. 

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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.