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Study highlights risks of evolving swine flu viruses
"The findings from this paper highlight the value of international research collaborations in identifying influenza virus risk" - Katy Shaw Saliba.

The findings raise the critical need for pandemic preparedness. 

A new study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed significant and antigenic diversity in European swine influenza, reinforcing the need for pandemic preparedness and vaccine effectiveness.

Researchers examined swine flu virus data from 2010 to 2020, with European partners, teams in the USA and Taiwan and The Animal and Plant Health Agency. The team also tested the immune responses to a variety of swine influenza variants. 

Key findings show that extensive variation in circulating swine influenza viruses could have implications for vaccine updates in both pigs and pandemic preparedness.

The study also revealed that evolving flu strains could reduce the effectiveness of existing vaccines, while variable human immunity to swine flu variants could pose serious pandemic threats.

The findings, published in the Journal of Virology, highlight the need to continually update pig vaccines and pandemic preparedness plans.

Amelia Coggon, a PhD student at the RVC, said: “Our study has high relevance to pandemic preparedness and swine flu vaccination. By better monitoring how these viruses evolve, we can ensure vaccines used in pigs remain effective, reducing production losses as well as reducing the risk of human infection.

“It also highlights the critical role of international collaboration and ongoing surveillance for zoonotic diseases. Just because we stop looking, it doesn’t mean these viruses disappear. Protecting human health begins with investing in animal health, and that means sustained, cross-sector funding - especially for diseases with pandemic potential.”

Katy Shaw Saliba, co-author of the paper and formerly of the JHCEIRS project, added: "Here, the diversity of the influenza virus in European swine and its serological cross-protection with human antisera was quantified, allowing for an understanding of which viruses could pose greater risk for animal and human health.

"The findings from this paper highlight the value of international research collaborations in identifying influenza virus risk."

Image (C) Shutterstock. 

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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

Click here for more...
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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.