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Oral vaccines could help curb rabies spread - study
Researchers hope the study will help support the introduction of the oral rabies vaccination in India as an additional tool to eradicate the disease.

Three times as many dogs can be vaccinated each day

An oral rabies vaccine could provide a more efficient and cost-effective method of rabies control in countries with large stray dog populations, according to new research.

Writing in the journal Vaccine X, researchers assessed the effectiveness of oral vaccinations on dogs in Goa, India. Teams on mopeds searched for free-roaming dogs and delivered empty capsules hidden inside dog food.

The team found that three times as many dogs could be vaccinated each day when oral vaccination is combined with the current method. Each day, the team managed to reach 35 dogs, compared to just nine using the catch-vaccinate-release technique.

The study was conducted by experts from Mission Rabies, the Worldwide Veterinary Service and the University of Edinburgh.  

Some 59,000 people die annually from rabies and a further 29 million require costly treatment after being by bitten by dogs in countries where the disease is rife.

Researchers hope the study will help support the introduction of the oral rabies vaccination in India as an additional tool to eradicate the disease.

Mission Rabies founder Dr Luke Gamble, said: “Rabies has a massive impact on societies, not only from the disease but also from the fear that results. In many parts of the world, reaction to rabies cases fuels inhumane mass culls of dogs, which does nothing to combat the virus. We are showing that there is another way that benefits dogs, people and nations.”
 
Professor Mark Bronsvoort, of the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, said: “This kind of operational research is crucial in pushing the boundaries and finding a solution to the age-old problem of rabies. Dog populations vary, so it is essential that methods are evaluated methodically. We are excited that this approach could have far-reaching benefits.”

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.