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Novel technique to enable early of sheep scab
Sheep scab is one of the most important diseases for UK sheep farmers.
Finding a 'significant development' towards control of the parasite. 

Researchers at the Moredun Research Institute have developed a new diagnostic technique that will help in the early detection of sheep scab.

Scientists say the highly-sensitive technique, described in the journal Parasite Immunology, exploits a protein called Pso EIP-1 to detect asymptomatic infestations with very high levels of accuracy. Importantly, it will enable differentiation between vaccinated and infested sheep.

Sheep scab is a highly contagious skin disorder of livestock, caused by the parasitic mite, Psoroptes ovis. According to Moredun, the condition is one of the most important diseases for UK sheep farmers from the perspective of finance and welfare.

A fast and accurate diagnosis is key to avoiding the spread of sheep scab. However, conventional diagnosis is time-consuming, expensive, and can fail to detect asymptomatic cases.

Dr Stewart Burgess, the principal investigator at Moredun, explained: “Pso-EIP-1 overcomes this problem by allowing us to differentiate between infested and vaccinated animals, without compromising on the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test. It will provide us with a new diagnostic antigen that can be used once the sheep scab vaccine is commercially available.”

The technique is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration between SEFARI consortium members, the Moredun Research Institute near Edinburgh and the James Hutton Institute in Dundee. Scientists say the method marks a 'significant development' towards improved monitoring and control of the parasite.

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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. 

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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.