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: 24th September 2024
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

Genome researchers celebrate success of pilot project
The white-tailed eagle is one of the species for which the project has created a reference genome.
The genomes for 98 species have been sequenced.

A pilot project that brought together scientists from across 33 countries has successfully produced reference genomes for 98 European species.

The genomes will be available for anyone around the world to study and will help researchers working in areas such as veterinary science, biosecurity and conservation.

Among the species sequenced was the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). The reference genome will allow researchers to look at genetic disorders in the species, including pinching-off syndrome in which the flight and control feathers of young white-tailed eagles are malformed and so prevent them from flying.

The pilot project was launched in 2021 by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and the Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research.

The genomes sequenced will form part of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA). The atlas is the European section of the Earth BioGenome Project, which aims to make the genomes of all known animals, plants and fungi available to researchers around the world.

The initial pilot project of 98 species allowed those involved to identify and address some of the challenges which can arise in an international project of this kind.

These challenges included shipping biological samples between countries, dealing with disparities in resources between countries, and balancing decentralisation with the need for standardisation.

Giulio Formenti, a member of the ERGA Pilot Committee, said: “ERGA was all a dream, until it wasn't. Through this pilot project the prospect of uniting Europe under the flag of biodiversity genomics is now reality.

“We can be proud to have first established the process by which the genomes of many species will become available to the scientific community for conservation and beyond.”

A paper on the pilot project has been published in the journal npj Biodiversity.

Image © Shutterstock

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.