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: 18th March 2022
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

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. 

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

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  

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.