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New Sheep Scab Diagnostic Test to launch
Appeal to vets and farmers for help

The Moredun Research Institute and Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) have announced the development of a new diagnostic blood test for Sheep Scab. Caused by the Psoroptes ovis mite, Sheep Scab is a Notifiable Disease in Scotland and one of the most important diseases of an ectoparasitic nature in sheep in the wider UK. The new test detects host antibodies specific to a recombinant antigen found only in the sheep scab mite, meaning that the test can accurately detect if an infection is due to the scab mite and not another ectoparasite.

Moredun and SAC are now calling for the co-operation of vets and farmers in Scotland so that the new test's results can be successfully integrated with skin samples taken from animals believed or suspected to have a sheep scab infection. Veterinary surgeons interested in doing so are advised to contact their local SAC Veterinary Services Disease Surveillance Centre (DSC) for details.

Commenting, Dr Alasdair Nisbet of Moredun said “The development of a sensitive and specific blood test provides an important tool to aid control strategies for sheep scab. We appreciate the support of farmers and vets in submitting blood samples during this introductory phase, prior to the launch of the test for routine use at veterinary disease surveillance and investigation centres throughout the UK.”

More information about the research can be found here.

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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.