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Researchers to monitor impact of zinc oxide ban
The researchers hope to address the uncertainties around 'zero zinc'.
The project is working with multiple commercial pig herds across the UK.

A research project that is studying the impact of the ban on giving weaning piglets zinc oxide has received £1.1 million in funding.

The ban has been put in place over concerns that zinc oxide, which is used to suppress post-natal weaning diarrhoea (PWD), may be contributing to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The funding has been awarded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and will help the researchers to assess the impact of the ban on pig health and the development of AMR.

The project, which began in 2022 and is set to run until 2027, will monitor levels of the bacteria which causes PWD in a number of commercial pig herds. The researchers will also analyse the genetic makeup of the bacterial strains, as well as the gut microbiome of the pigs, to assess the impact of the ban on AMR and disease spread.

It is hoped the research might eventually lead to the identification of potential replacements for zinc oxide.

The study is being conducted by a consortium of academics and industry partners led by the Roslin Institute. Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Scotland’s Rural College, Edinburgh Napier University, and the University of Surrey are taking part.

Deborah Hoyle, a lecturer at the Roslin Institute, said: “This research will provide insights into the effects of the zinc oxide ban but also pave the way for the development of sustainable strategies to manage PWD in pig production systems.

“By addressing the uncertainties surrounding 'zero zinc' and offering evidence-based solutions, we set out to support the pig industry to adapt while maintaining the health and welfare of piglets.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.