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Vaccine research network awarded £1.2 million grant
The network has members in 93 countries.
The network supports livestock and zoonotic vaccine research.

The International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN), based at the Roslin Institute, has been awarded a £1.2 million grant from the Medical Research Council.

The network, which is made up of more than 1,900 scientists and industry partners from 93 countries around the world, aims to help develop improved vaccines for livestock and zoonotic diseases.

It is one of five global vaccine networks which provide a collaborative platform for researchers, particularly from low and middle income countries, to share knowledge and expertise.
 
The funding will allow IVVN to provide funding for collaboration between scientists, offer training opportunities, and engage the next generation of scientists.

Dr Timothy Connelley, network director of IVVN, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding to continue our activities to support veterinary vaccinologists across the world.

“With this funding, we will continue efforts to bring the human and veterinary vaccine research communities together, support scientific collaboration by providing pump-priming funding, provide training for early career researchers and expand our schools outreach programme to inspire the next generation of scientists.”

Dr Mark Palmer, director of international strategy at the Medical Research Council, said: “Investing in collaborations like these will better prepare us for future disease epidemics and to more effectively tackle the slow-moving pandemic of antimicrobial resistance.

“These global networks are integral to ensuring the UK harnesses the extraordinary potential of research and innovation to enrich and improve the lives of people living in the UK and around the world.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.