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Novel mutation identified in Standardbred horse
The foal provided an exciting opportunity to identify the variation as it occurred.
Scientists at UC Davis tracked the origination example. 

Scientists at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have tracked a genetic variation in a unique foal born in New Zealand with a sabino-like white spotting pattern.

Using genetic analysis. the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory determined that the white pattern in the Standardbred foal is a novel mutation, or de novo. Meaning that the mutation occurred during the foal's development.

Dr Rebecca Bellone, director of the laboratory, explained the significance of the discovery: “Discovering a de novo mutation is always exciting as most of the time as geneticists we are trying to trace the history of genetic variation, not identifying the variation in the generation in which they occur.”

Born at Wai Eyre Farm in New Zealand, the Standardbred filly was tested for parentage and then for colour coat testing. Following this, genetic analysis using  Ion Torrent S5 amplicon sequencing to discover the novel variant. 

The team at UC Davis collaborated with InfogeneNZ and the International Society for Animal Genetics to conduct the research.

Dr Bellone added: “This discovery shows how breeding remains relevant today for helping us to understand the way that mutations occur and their effects on the living world.”

The article, published in Animal Genetics, can be accessed via this link. The full text is behind a paywall.

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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.