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Fish DNA reference offers hope for food security
Native to northern Africa, Nile tilapia is the most popular species type of farmed fish.

Researchers have developed an entire genome for Nile tilapia. 

A collaboration between the Earlham Institute, WorldFish, and the Roslin Institute - part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies - has produced a “reference genome” for a key fish species that could improve food security for millions of the world’s poorest people.

According to researchers, the fundamental resource will help fish breeders develop strains of the popular type of farmed fish, Nile tilapia, which grow extremely large, very quickly and are resilient to the environmental challenges of global warming. 

Using selective breeding without a complete reference genome, the Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) programme, led by the research institution WorldFish (CGIAR), has produced an elite strain that is now available worldwide. 

Dr Wilfried Haerty, study author and group leader at the Earlham Institute, explained: “A reference genome provides a full, annotated catalogue of all the genes in an organism. This crucial resource is the basis for modern breeding programmes. WorldFish, who are leading on further developments of GIFT, can now use the reference genome as the baseline to work from when looking to breed beneficial traits.” 

Native to northern Africa, Nile tilapia is the most popular species used in aquaculture. With 4,514,615 t produced in 2020, it is the third most  farmed finfish species worldwide, after grass carp and silver carp.

The GIFT strain was developed through a combination of commercial and wild Nile tilapia strains and crosses with other species. By examining the genomes of closely related species, researchers were able to show the degree to which genetic material may have been transferred across species in the past - and identify the specific regions in the GIFT genome.

Dr Diego Robledo, aquaculture genetics group leader at the Roslin Institute, said: “The insights offered by development of the entire genome of this key fish species will enable research towards ensuring sustainably produced supplies, to support a healthy source of nutrition for growing populations.”

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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.