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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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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
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.