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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd January 2021
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

Europe’s first dedicated biobank stores cells from endangered animals
Nature's SAFE uses a specialised cryopreservation media to indefinitely store live skin cells from threatened species.

Charity launched in response to dramatic decline in global biodiversity

A 'ground-breaking' new charity inspired by advanced equine reproduction technology has been launched with the goal of preserving endangered species.

Nature's SAFE is Europe's first 'living biobank'. It will process and store skin and reproductive cells from endangered species, which can then be used in regeneration of animals and restoration of species.

Founder Tullis Matson – who is also managing director of Stallion AI Services, a UK based centre of excellence for equine reproduction – realised that the same techniques developed for equines could be used in conservation by storing live cells from endangered species.

“To be able to use 30 years of experience in equine reproduction and equine rare breed preservation for an even greater good is a real privilege,” said Mr Matson.

“It is an honour to be working with some of the world’s most endangered species and knowing that we are saving such important animals is indescribable.”

The charity uses a specialised processing technique, freezing the skin cells of threatened species at a temperature of -196°C. They are then preserved in a dormant state and can be kept indefinitely and once thawed they can be used in animal artificial reproduction programmes.

Nature’s SAFE will also store ovarian and testicular tissue from endangered animals, and it plans to develop new techniques to generate sperm and egg cells from reproductive tissue.

Dr Sue Walker, Nature's SAFE co-Founder and vice chair, head of science at Chester Zoo, chair of the EAZA Reproductive Management Group and Board Member of the EAZA Biobank said: “The cryopreservation of reproductive cells and cell lines will be an important tool for population breeding programmes and the restoration of genetic diversity in animal species threatened with extinction.

“Having a facility solely dedicated to preserving these samples, Nature’s SAFE is a vital tool missing from the European zoo conservation toolbox.”

Nature’s SAFE has already successfully stored live cells from multiple endangered species through collaboration with their partners in the national zoo association. These species include the black rhino, Asian elephant, eastern bongo and Javan green magpie.

For more information on Nature's SAFE, or to support it's work, please visit https://www.natures-safe.com

Image (c) Nature's SAFE.

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

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.