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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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Free CPD announced for BVNA members

News Story 1
 Zoetis is to present a CPD event for free to members of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

Led by veterinary consultant Ruth Moxon, the one-hour online session is designed to help veterinary nurses discuss parasiticide options with clients. It will advise on structuring recommendations, factors for product choice and moving away from 'selling'.

'How do you recommend parasite treatments to your clients?' will be presented on Tuesday, 20 May at 7.30pm. It is free for BVNA members, with £15.00 tickets for non-members.

Veterinary nurses can email cpd@bvna.co.uk to book their place. 

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DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.