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New model to predict effectiveness of livestock vaccines
The study has implications for the design of vaccines and vaccination programmes in livestock.

Researchers use model to study effectiveness of PSSR vaccines 

A new model to predict the effectiveness of vaccines in livestock has been developed by scientists at The Roslin Institute.

Researchers found that, when applied appropriately, even imperfect vaccines can prevent, mitigate or eliminate the prevalence of disease.


Scientists say the study has implications for the design of vaccines and vaccination programmes in livestock. Professor Andrea Wilson from the Roslin Institute explains:


“Veterinary vaccines often only confer limited immunity and thus may not prevent infection. In this study, we developed a model that combines epidemiological consequences of different vaccination strategies and different vaccine properties applied to livestock. 


“The model is successful in predicting the effectiveness of vaccines in livestock.”


The overall aim of vaccination is to protect animals from disease and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. The new model shows that combining diverse vaccine properties could have a multiplicative effect and may, therefore, be more effective. 


In the study, scientists used the model to study the effectiveness of vaccines to combat Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus.


Endemic in most pig-producing countries, PRRS causes breathing problems and can be fatal in young animals. However, vaccines to prevent the spread of the disease have mostly failed

Scientists believe the new model shows that the control or elimination of PSSR through vaccination may well be in reach, so long as the vaccine speeds up recovery and reduces virus replication.

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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.