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PPR vaccines protect against all strains - study
The results provide new evidence about how the vaccines protect susceptible animals.
Researchers test efficiency of most commonly used eradication methods

Two of the most common peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccines protect susceptible animals against all strains of the disease and could be used more widely, according to new research.

The study was the first to directly compare the ability of two PPR vaccines to protect susceptible animals against wild-type strains from any of the four genetic lineages of PPR virus. By analysing the immune response of goats, researchers found that found that both vaccines could fully protect against clinical signs of the disease.

Their results, published in the Journal of Virology, provide new evidence about how the vaccines protect susceptible animals, detailing both antibody and immune cell responses. The vaccines tested were PPRV/Nigeria/75/1, which is used in most countries outside of India, and PPRV/India/Sungri/96, which is used exclusively in India.

“More information on the efficiency of available PPRV vaccines was needed to facilitate vaccine supply and better regional vaccine uptake,” explained Dr Karin Darpel, head of the Orbivirus group at Pirbright.

PPRV is a serious disease of sheep and goats that was recently targeted for control and eradication by the World Organisation for Animal Health after its rapid spread across the Middle East and Asia.

Dr Baron, OIE Expert on Rinderpest and PPR said: “Through demonstrating that both vaccines can be used against all PPR viruses in any country, we have confirmed that global vaccine supplies can be used more flexibly during the eradication campaign.”

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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.