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New funding for vector-borne disease research
One of the projects will look at the transmission pathways of moquito-borne viruses.
Defra makes extra money available for One Health projects.

The UK Government has provided the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) with an additional £2.35 million to fund new research projects into vector-borne diseases.

Four new research projects will launch, investigating topics including the monitoring and controlling of tick-borne diseases, the transmission pathways of mosquito-borne viruses, and how to minimise risks of tick-borne diseases from rewilding and reforestation.

Vector-borne diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths each year globally and account for more than 17 per cent of all infectious diseases.

The projects, which align with APHA’s One Health approach, will provide evidence to help the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Scottish and Welsh governments develop policies to address threats to public and animal health.

One of the projects to be funded is TickTools, a three-year project to develop tools to monitor and control tick-borne diseases. The project, which will involve researchers from the University of Nottingham and the Centre for Virus Research at the University of Glasgow, will investigate tick/host interactions, improved vaccines, and diagnostic methods to detect infection.

Another of the projects, Vector-Borne RADAR (Real-time Arbovirus Detection And Response), aims to improve understanding of how mosquito-borne viruses emerge in new environments, enhance the surveillance of diseases in the UK wild bird population, and develop an early warning system for disease outbreaks. It will bring together experts from the UK Health Security Agency, Institute of Zoology and the British Trust for Ornithology.

Professor Gideon Henderson, Defra chief scientific advisor, said: “The funding for this important research, which brings together a wealth of expertise from some of the best scientific institutions in the UK, will continue to build and prepare the UK for the emergence of endemic and exotic vector-borne diseases.

“This coordinated scientific effort forms part of the UK’s commitment to work at the interface between environmental, human and animal health to improve outcomes for all.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.