Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Scientists developing rapid diagnostic test for sheep scab
Sheep scab is a major welfare issue.
Test would enable diagnosis before the appearance of clinical signs

A rapid, point-of-care diagnostic blood test for sheep scab infestation is being developed by scientists at the Moredun Research Institute.

In a press release, Moredun said that it is working with veterinary diagnostics firm Global DX to complete the development and validation of the test.

‘Use of the test by veterinarians would enable them to rapidly diagnose sheep scab infestation before the appearance of clinical signs and importantly, without the need to send blood samples to a laboratory for analysis,’ the press release said. ‘Both of these points are highly important as they will allow for early interventions and treatments, thereby reducing the spread of disease.’

Sheep scab is an endemic disease in the UK and occurs in many sheep farming regions across the world. Caused by the parasitic mite Psoroptes ovis, the disease is a major welfare issue and affects the productivity of sheep farms.

For control programmes to be successful, it is critical that all infected animals are identified as soon as possible. However, this can prove difficult because, during the early stages of sheep scab, infestations are not always obvious.

'Results from a pen-side diagnostic are almost immediate,' Moredun continued. 'The new point of care test format will, therefore, significantly speed up the testing process.'

The test is highly specific because it detects host antibodies to a specific protein found only in the sheep scab mite. This means that it can accurately detect that an infestation is due to the scab mite and not another ectoparasite - both of which are critical for early intervention and in the administration of the correct treatment.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Global DX to further develop this test; the company has significant experience in the development and commercialisation of point of care tests for the veterinary market,” said Dr Stewart Burgess who is developing the diagnostic test at Moredun.
 
Andrew Shepherd, founder and CEO of Global DX added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Moredun to bring the new test to market enabling the sheep industry to combat sheep scab infestation in their flocks.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.