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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th December 2022
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

Stress insights may inform fish breeding strategies - study
“Our research should help gain new knowledge of health and welfare and aid the development of non-invasive tools to monitor stress in fish and seafood species" - Dr Tim Bean, Roslin Institute.
Scientists will analyse fish DNA to see if stress responses are hereditary.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are seeking to discover how to breed fish with greater resilience to disease or environmental stress.

Led by experts at the Roslin Institute, the four-year study will investigate ways to recognise signs of stress in fish and examine fish DNA to ascertain whether their responses to stress are inherited. 

Forming part of a €6m series of studies concerning sustainability in fish, scientists hope their findings could be used to develop strategies that promote improved health and welfare.

Dr Tim Bean, a research fellow at the Roslin Institute, said: “It is essential that we understand how fish and seafood respond to stress and incorporate the findings in breeding strategies so that animals may experience good health and welfare within food production systems. 

“Our research should help gain new knowledge of health and welfare and aid the development of non-invasive tools to monitor stress in fish and seafood species.”

In the study, researchers will analyse the stress responses of key Mediterranean fish species to vaccination and handling. They aim to pinpoint and measure biological indicators of typical stressors through stress hormones and other molecules emitted into the environment by fish.

Scientists also hope to discover whether these responses to stress are hereditary and compare the genetic codes of fish exhibiting various stress responses to identify relevant areas of DNA. The results will be used to improve techniques for assessing stress responses, including physical characteristics linked to resilience.

It is hoped the research will help enhance the wellbeing of fish and shellfish by making it possible to identify animals whose DNA suggests they are robust to stress. 

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.