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Study to explore airway inflammation in racehorses
"Previous studies have reported a detrimental effect of exercise on the functional capacity of airway-derived immune cells" - Dr Anna Eleonora Karagianna.
Researchers hope to establish the details of the condition.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are investigating why racehorses commonly develop airway inflammation during intense training.

It is hoped that the findings will inform ways to help racehorses to alleviate these respiratory illnesses and improve athletic performance. 

The research team will pinpoint the effects of training on activity in immune cells from horses' airways and lungs using advanced analytical methods, and will search for biological indicators of susceptibility to disease. 

Dr Anna Eleonora Karagianni, research fellow at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, explained: “Racehorses commonly develop airway inflammation, especially during early season training, which can significantly impair athletic performance. 

“Previous studies have reported a detrimental effect of exercise on the functional capacity of airway-derived immune cells. 

“We hope to establish the detail of this, to inform management and training of equine athletes, and advance understanding of similar conditions in humans.” 

Alongside developing understanding of mild to moderate equine asthma (MMEA), the research team is also hoping to explore exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH), where horses experience bleeding into the airways. 

EIPH is also commonly developed by training horses, and researchers will seek to determine whether the two conditions are linked.

It is thought that the outcomes from this two-year study may also have significance for advancing understanding of the link between high intensity training and respiratory systems in human athletes.

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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  

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.