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: 15th December 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

Stress insights may inform fish breeding strategies - study
“Our research should help gain new knowledge of health and welfare and aid the development of non-invasive tools to monitor stress in fish and seafood species" - Dr Tim Bean, Roslin Institute.
Scientists will analyse fish DNA to see if stress responses are hereditary.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are seeking to discover how to breed fish with greater resilience to disease or environmental stress.

Led by experts at the Roslin Institute, the four-year study will investigate ways to recognise signs of stress in fish and examine fish DNA to ascertain whether their responses to stress are inherited. 

Forming part of a €6m series of studies concerning sustainability in fish, scientists hope their findings could be used to develop strategies that promote improved health and welfare.

Dr Tim Bean, a research fellow at the Roslin Institute, said: “It is essential that we understand how fish and seafood respond to stress and incorporate the findings in breeding strategies so that animals may experience good health and welfare within food production systems. 

“Our research should help gain new knowledge of health and welfare and aid the development of non-invasive tools to monitor stress in fish and seafood species.”

In the study, researchers will analyse the stress responses of key Mediterranean fish species to vaccination and handling. They aim to pinpoint and measure biological indicators of typical stressors through stress hormones and other molecules emitted into the environment by fish.

Scientists also hope to discover whether these responses to stress are hereditary and compare the genetic codes of fish exhibiting various stress responses to identify relevant areas of DNA. The results will be used to improve techniques for assessing stress responses, including physical characteristics linked to resilience.

It is hoped the research will help enhance the wellbeing of fish and shellfish by making it possible to identify animals whose DNA suggests they are robust to stress. 

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

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. 

Click here for more...
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.