Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Winners of 2020 European PRRS Research Award announced
The award aims to bolster research into Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Funding prize will aid understanding of costly disease

Animal health firm Boehringer Ingelheim has revealed the three research proposals which have been awarded this year’s European PRRS Research Award.

The European PRRS Research Award aims to encourage further development of practical methods for controlling Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), as well as providing an opportunity for communication and knowledge sharing between researchers and academics in the field.

The awards are judged by an independent panel of highly regarded professionals from across the swine industry, including researchers and practitioners. The board is chaired by Enric Mateu, a professor of the Department of Animal Health and Anatomy at the Autonomous University of Barcelona’s (UAB) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

Winning proposals were selected for their potential for impact on the swine industry, their originality, and their innovation. Each winner receives €25,000 in funding to support their research.

The winners of this year’s European PRRS Research Award are:

  • ‘Biosecurity and management impact on PRRS status and economical profit: statistical process control after evaluation and improvement’, by Ramis Vidal from The University of Murcia, Spain
  • ‘PRRSV1 genetic recombination in swine herds: an emerging risk or hype’, by Erhard van d. Vries from Royal GD in the Netherlands
  • ‘Impact of weaning procedures on PRRSV in the nursery’, by Pia R. Heiselberg of HyoVet in Denmark.

The winners will receive their prizes at the fifth European PRRSpective, which will take place in 2021, in Bern, Switzerland.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.