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H7N9 mutation could reduce vaccine effectiveness - study
H7N9 viruses are currently circulating in poultry populations in China and have so far caused more than 1,600 human cases.
Scientists shed new light on H7N9 viruses in China 

Pirbright scientists have identified a mutation in the H7N9 avian influenza virus that could allow it to escape immune system defences, reducing the effectiveness of vaccines.

H7N9 viruses are currently circulating in poultry populations in China and have so far caused more than 1,600 human cases - over 600 of which have been fatal.

Research published in the Journal of Virology shows that small genetic differences in the virus surface proteins can stop antibodies that protect against a low pathogenic form of the virus from binding to a more virulent form.

This protein, called haemagglutinin, enables the first stage of infection, where the virus attaches to cells and initiates entry into them. Antibodies that bind to the haemagglutinin prevent this process, thereby protecting against infection.

Professor Munir Iqbal, head of the avian influenza group at Pirbright, said: “We discovered that a single amino acid substitution on the H7N9 haemagglutinin, changes its structure enough to reduce antibody binding levels between the two pathotypes.

“This suggests that a single vaccine might not be able to protect against both low and high pathogenicity H7N9 viruses if they carry different amino acid residues at the identified site, stressing the importance of continually monitoring outbreak strains for genetic changes in this region.”

The research team also found that antibodies produced against the high pathogenicity virus showed strong cross-reactivity to both the high and low pathogenicity viruses, compared to those produced against the low pathogenicity virus.

Scientists said this suggests vaccines developed from high pathogenicity strains may be better vaccine candidates for protecting poultry and humans in China. Further research is needed to understand the effect of genetic variations at the site researchers identified in the haemagglutinin.

 

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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.