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Vaccine trial for equine grass sickness
Study in preparation for a nationwide vaccine trial

It has been announced that the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies of the University of Edinburgh, will be conducting a small pilot vaccine trial to protect against equine grass sickness.

Following approval by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the pilot study is set to take place in eastern Scotland, since equine grass sickness was first reported in the region more than a century ago.

The pilot study is in preparation for a full nationwide vaccine trial involving at least 1000 horses and ponies. This will likely commence in 2014, but is subject to securing sufficient funding.

The Equine Grass Sickness Fund is leading a campaign in order to raise money for the full vaccine trial.

The AHT has great hopes that these vaccine trials will mark an enormous breakthrough in the prevention of the disease. Although there is still a lot of work to do before launching the full nationwide vaccine trial, this initial pilot study will help to ensure that the trial design will be practical to perform on a larger scale.

Kate Thomson, spokesperson for the Equine Grass Sickness Fund, said: "We are over the moon that the pilot vaccine trial has begun, but fundraising now starts in earnest to ensure that the full trial can go ahead.

"Grass sickness brings about a devastating annual toll, and we are appealing to every horse owner in the UK to help bring an end to this disease by donating to this cause."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.