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Improved Equine Ovarian Tumour diagnosis test available
New test for Granulosa Cell Tumours

A new test that provides equine veterinary surgeons with another way to diagnose Granulosa Cell Tumours (GCTs), which are the type of tumour most frequently found in the equine reproductive tract, has been developed. Professor Barry A. Ball, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT, Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction at the University of Kentucky's Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center presented the new method to the 2011 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, which was held on November 18th-22nd 2011 in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Prof. Ball's new method involves the measurement of the level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the blood after the discovery that GCTs produce the hormone in significant quantities. A study undertaken by Prof. Ball and colleagues determined that AMH levels in blood samples taken from mares with GCTs were significantly higher than those in samples taken from mares that had undergone an ovariectomy, those in estrus and those that were pregnant.

"This study confirms that AMH is considerably higher in mares with GCTs than all other healthy mares regardless of their reproductive status and that measuring AMH levels is a useful test for GCTs," concluded Prof. Ball. The AMH test is currently available in the form of a human assay, and Prof. Ball has confirmed that more economical tests are also currently in development. 

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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. 

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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.