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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th September 2019
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Agreement to develop E. coli O157:H7 vaccine
Researchers at work on the project in the Roslin Institute
Collaborative research enters commercial phase

Roslin Technologies has signed an agreement with animal sciences research establishments Moredun Research Institute, Scotland’s Rural College and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, to fund the commercial development of an E. coli O157:H7 vaccine for cattle, which it is claimed will prevent illness in humans.

E. coli O157:H7 is a pathogenic bacterium of cattle that can cause life-threatening food-borne illness in humans through the consumption of contaminated products, such as dairy products and meat. Despite efforts to reduce contamination of food, E. coli O157:H7 causes one to 10 cases per 100,000 people, with certain countries having clusters of more virulent strains – notably the UK, USA, Argentina and Sweden.
 
The experimental vaccine has been developed to limit E. coli O157:H7 shedding from – and transmission between – cattle. Although the bacteria do not harm cattle, farmers will be encouraged to vaccinate animals against infection with this new vaccine. Early results have indicated that this vaccine may be more effective than other previous attempts and have a greater impact in reducing human exposure and infection.

The project team has been led by Dr Simon Wheeler COO of Roslin Technologies, with significant input from the principal investigators, Professor David Gally from Roslin Institute and Dr Tom McNeilly from Moredun Research Institute, who have been doing the fundamental research necessary to really understand whether the vaccine works and the essential science behind it.

Under the new agreement, Roslin Technologies will perform a two-step validation trial from May  to September 2020 in Nebraska, USA. The field trials will examine ‘super-shedding’ in cattle to discover whether the vaccine prevents shedding of the bacteria and is viable for commercial use.
 
The background research was funded  in part by UK agencies Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, FSA/FSS (Food Standards Agency/Food Standards Scotland), and other commercial partners. This valuable contribution is recognised by the project team.

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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.