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Pirbright awarded funding to tackle Asian diseases
The pig disease research will focus on viruses caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine influenza A.

Research to improve livestock welfare and economic production

More than £1million of funding has been awarded to The Pirbright Institute to tackle major viral diseases that threaten livestock populations in Asia.

The money, awarded by BBSRC-Newton fund, will fund research into two poultry and two pig diseases that have a detrimental impact both on animal welfare and the local economy.

Led by Dr Elma Tchilian, the pig disease research will focus on viruses caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine influenza A. Working with colleagues in Thailand, Dr Tchilian hopes to introduce a vaccine strategy that will benefit both animal welfare and the livelihoods of farmers.

The poultry study will be led by Dr Yongxiu Yao and Professor Munir Iqbal who will assess the diseases caused by avian leukosis virus and avian influenza viruses.

Dr Yongxiu Yao’s team will build on links with Chinese institutes through Newton Funded UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases (UK-China CERAD) to share expertise and develop strategies for controlling avian leukosis virus.

Professor Munir Iqbal will steer work to offer information about how avian influenza viruses that plague the poultry production systems of China are able to evade current vaccines and what increases the risk of human transmission.

The ultimate aim of the three projects is to improve livestock welfare and economic production, helping to ensure global food security. 

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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.