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: 6th January 2012
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
Pig pathogen added to disease model portfolio
Researchers complete validation of bacterial pathogen.

Researchers at Moredun Scientific have completed the validation of a Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 disease model in weaner piglets. It is hoped that it will prove useful in the formulation of vaccines and studies into therapeutic efficacy.

Streptococcus suis, a bacterial pathogen of pigs, is of great importance to the global pig industry because of the economic ramifications of disease outbreaks and the according effects on the welfare of infected herds. The disease can make the jump to humans if protocols to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases are not followed.

An outbreak which started in the Sichaun Province of western China in July 2005 led to over two hundred people being infected and 38 fatalities. The disease has also been identified as the most common cause of meningitis in Vietnam.

Serotype 2 is the strain of the disease which has been identified as being responsible for the majority of infections, and no licensed vaccine is currently available.

Head of Animal Health at Moredun Scientific David Reddick said: "We are pleased to extend our disease model portfolio to offer a highly effective model of S.suis infection to our animal health clients supporting their efforts to prevent and control the disease." 

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.