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Anifera to conduct additional bovine mastitis studies
Mastitis costs the global dairy industry an estimated 32 billion USD a year.
The firm is developing compounds that can improve the efficacy of antibiotics.

Animal health firm Anifera has announced plans to conduct additional studies to explore the impact and effectiveness of adjunct therapy in bovine mastitis.

Bovine mastitis is a common disease of dairy cattle that causes inflammation of the udder tissue. The condition is considered to be the most common cause of economic loss for cattle farmers worldwide, owing to reduced milk yield and lower milk quality.

In a press release, Anifera states the new studies will 'build on promising data in bovine mastitis' and have been made possible following 'substantial investment' by Stonehaven Incubate – one of Anifera's co-founders. 

The company is developing compounds that can improve the efficacy of antibiotics, with the ultimate aim of reducing their use in animals. Anifera’s small molecule compounds seek to potentiate the effects of the antibiotic through a unique mechanism of action. 

“We have seen very encouraging results in early studies focused on bovine mastitis, utilising our lead compound as an adjunct therapy to a commercial intramammary antibiotic,” commented Dr Gwynneth Thomas, CEO of Anifera. 

“We look forward to moving ahead with additional development work aimed at further exploring improvements in the efficacy of existing antibiotics when used in combination with our compound, helping to advance sustainability in animal health.”

According to figures published by Anifera, mastitis costs the global dairy industry an estimated 32 billion USD a year. With increasing concerns about restrictions on the use of antibiotics in farm animals, the firm hopes its approach “could help improve health and productivity for dairy farmers worldwide.” 

“Anifera has the potential to pioneer new ways of treating bovine mastitis, offering immediate financial and welfare benefits to dairy farmers,” said Jarne Elleholm, CEO of Stonehaven Incubate. 

“We are committed to helping Anifera advance these important studies and drive innovation to improve the efficacy of antibiotics. We share their goal of ultimately reducing the usage of antibiotics in disease states across animal health where they are the first line of treatment.” 

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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.