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New blood test for small redworms in horses announced
The test will be available to horse owners from September 2019.

Test will be available to horse owners from September 2019

A new blood test to help diagnose small redworms in horses, including encysted larvae, has been developed by scientists at the Moredun Research Institute (MRI).

The test will be available to horse owners from September 2019 following extensive research and will be launched by commercial partner, Austin Davis Biologics (ADB).


Professor Jacqui Matthews, who led the Matthews research group at MRI, said: “It is great to see the commercialisation of this much-needed test to support sustainable worm control in horses.

“The test fills an important gap in our diagnostic toolbox and will enable horse owners to work with their veterinarians in targeting anthelmintic treatments against cyathostomin infections and hence help protect these important medicines for the future."

MRI business development manager Rhona Macdonald added: “We are delighted that the research has led to the development of a new blood test to help diagnose small redworms in horses and that the test is now available through Austin Davis Biologics.”


The new service provision marks the first phase in developing the blood test for commercialisation. 


Dr Corrine Austin of ADB said: “We are thrilled to be making this test available to horse owners after extensive research has been conducted to achieve high accuracy. ADB are now developing laboratory ELISA [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay] kits to enable independent veterinary laboratories to conduct blood testing. 


“These kits are expected to reach market during 2020. Research into the saliva-based test is ongoing and is expected to be commercialised several years from now.”

Veterinary practices interested in the diagnostic test service can register their interest at info@austindavis.co.uk

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BEVA CPD course explores sino-nasal disease

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) will host a new CPD course exploring the diagnosis of sino-nasal disease.

Led by Safia Barakzai, Henry Tremaine, Justine Kay-Smyth and Neil Townsend, the course aims to support experienced equine vets dealing with nasal discharge cases.

The course will be presented through a series of practical sessions, accompanied by case-based learning. Attendees will be guided to improve their oral examination technique and radiographic approach, as well as learning how to make good use of endoscopy and oroscopy.

BEVA says that learners can combined these skills to perform a 'logical, efficient investigation', with better clinical decision-making and fewer unnecessary steps.

The course will take place on Tuesday, 21 July at the University of Surrey. For more information or to book, visit the BEVA website.