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DNA study suggests potential for virus-resistant poultry
"Our study is a good first step to understand the genetic factors influencing innate immunity to a range of viral infections in poultry" - Dr Jacqueline Smith, Roslin Institute.
Possible genetic variants linked to innate immunity of infections.

A study from the Roslin Institute has highlighted possible gene variants linked to innate immunity against damaging viral infections.

Using this information, researchers have suggested that poultry could be bred to resist viral infections, with findings pointing to possible genetic variations that determine a bird's response to infection. 

Analysing DNA from chickens discovered to be naturally more resilient or prone to bird flu, Marek's disease, infectious bursal disease and infectious bronchitis virus, researchers using computer analysis to search for variations in the genes linked to the production of immune proteins.

Comparing their findings with a standard reference genome of chickens, the researchers highlighted 60 genetic variations likely to influence resistance or susceptibility to the infections.

Joshua Mountford, lead author of the study, said: “Viral infections are a significant challenge for the poultry industry as well as impacting on animal welfare. 

“Determining genetic factors that enable birds to present a robust resistance to infection could deliver a host of benefits.”

Dr Jacqueline Smith, corresponding author of the paper, highlighted the potential of the findings: “Our study is a good first step to understand the genetic factors influencing innate immunity to a range of viral infections in poultry. 

“The variants we have discovered merit further investigation and could be valuable in breeding chickens resistant to disease.”

Published in Animal Genetics, the full paper is available to read here.

 

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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.