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Institutes to develop foot-and-mouth diagnostic kits
cattle farm
"Our partnership will help to ensure improved diagnostics for FMD are easily available - not just in the UK and Europe, but across the rest of the world too."

Pirbright partners with Italian research institute

Cutting edge diagnostic kits for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)will be produced by the Pirbright Institute and the leading Italian research institute for animal disease, IZSLER.

The institutes have signed an international partnership agreement, which is the latest development in a long-term collaboration.

Their joint programme of research is focused on the development of new diagnostic tools for virus diseases in animals.

Dr Michel de Baar, Pirbright's director of business development, said: "This important agreement combines the expertise of both institutes to produce future-proofed kits that are able to provide even more accurate and rapid diagnostics for those using them in the veterinary community.

"Our partnership will help to ensure improved diagnostics for FMD are easily available - not just in the UK and Europe, but across the rest of the world too."

IZSLER will manufacture the kits, which have been evaluated for excellent reliability and sensitivity. Kits will be sold by IZSLER, Pirbright and their distributors, with revenue being reinvested into animal disease research.


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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.