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New vaccine company to tackle FMDV in China
“Foot-and-mouth disease in swine is an epidemic that has a significant impact on animal husbandry and food safety."
Animal health leaders team up for new venture 

A joint venture to tackle foot-and-mouth disease (FMDV) in China has seen three leading animal health companies team up to form a new vaccine company.

The Shaanxi Meili Omni-Honesty Animal Health Co., Ltd is expected to focus on the research, development and manufacture of vaccines against FMDV, beginning in 2021. The total investment in the project amounts to 840 million yuan (around £94.5 million).

Launched at a groundbreaking ceremony at Airport New City in Xi’an, the company is a joint venture between Boehringer Ingelheim, Beijing KangMu Omni-Honesty Animal Health Products Co., Ltd (KMOH), and China Agricultural Vet. Bio. Science and Technology Co., Ltd (ZNWT).

Yuan Ximin, chairman of the new vaccine company, said: “Foot-and-mouth disease in swine is an epidemic that has a significant impact on animal husbandry and food safety. It is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate.

“The market is in urgent need of vaccines featuring the world’s top-level technology. I believe this project will drive transformation and upgrading of China’s animal vaccine industry, and it will also help improve economic benefits for Chinese farmers.”

The three companies each bring unique expertise to the venture; with Boehringer a leader in veterinary public health, ZNWT approved by the Ministry of Agriculture to produce the full set of vaccines against FMDV, and KMOH benefitting from extensive market channels across China.

Zhang Yunde, chairman and general manager of ZNWT, said the collaboration will lead to unprecedented advances in disease prevention and control, as well as vaccine technology and market growth.

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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.