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APHA awarded $100,000 to develop brucellosis vaccine
Wholesale vaccination of livestock can be a cost-effective way of controlling brucellosis.
Vaccine to deliver lasting benefits to human and animal health

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has been awarded $100,000 in the AgResults’ Brucellosis Vaccine Prize competition. The money will be used to develop a vaccine that is effective for use against small ruminants across the developing world.

The APHA received the funding for Phase 1 of the vaccine development and was awarded based on the agency's scientific soundness, suitable research and appropriate manufacturing capabilities.

Dr John McGiven, who is leading the project, said: “We feel the AgResults competition elevates recognition of the significance of this insidious and debilitating disease. For many years we have been focusing on improved methods for the serodiagnosis of brucellosis and this research revealed to us a route towards a new type of vaccine against brucellosis.

“This competition gave us additional incentive to pull these innovative concepts together in the belief that we can make a big difference to brucellosis control.”

Brucellosis is a devastating disease that leads to infertility, abortions and decreased milk production. It affects many animals, including small ruminants and is endemic in a number of developing countries.

Wholesale vaccination of livestock can be a cost-effective way of controlling the disease and reducing its impact on human and animal health. However, existing vaccines are unsafe for use in pregnant animals, have variable efficacy, and can harm humans.

The Brucellosis Vaccine Prize Competition, managed by AgResults, has three phases and may run for 10 years. $30 million is available to entrants, with three milestone payments at different stages.

Dr McGiven’s team is now working on Phase 2 of the vaccine development, by developing a proof of concept vaccine that meets efficacy and safety requirements. It is hoped the vaccine will deliver lasting benefits to human and animal health.

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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.