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: 16th February 2010
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
New Research to Increase Food Security
Photo by Ashley Banyard.
£13M of new research is being launched to tackle the significant and growing threat posed by livestock diseases to global food security and livelihoods in developing countries.

(The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Department for International Development (DFID), with a contribution from the Scottish Government, have joined forces to fund 16 new projects that bring together world-class UK researchers with institutions in the developing world. The projects aim to find sustainable solutions to the animal disease threat to improve food security and help to build scientific capacity in the developing world to meet future challenges. Examples of the projects launched include developing and introducing a dip-stick test for ‘Goat Plague’, comparing Foot and Mouth disease in wildlife and livestock and developing a vaccine to control deadly Liver Fluke.

Photo by Tadelle Dessie.
The research will also have significant benefits for UK farmers and consumers. Livestock diseases such as foot and mouth disease, bluetongue, African swine fever and peste des petits ruminants virus are a global concern. Over the past 15 years livestock diseases are estimated to have cost the UK economy over £15Bn.

BBSRC Chief Executive, Professor Douglas Kell, said: “Joining with partners from developing countries, UK science can provide a solid platform for providing disease management solutions from better vaccinations through to more sophisticated diagnostic techniques which will not only transform the lives of millions across the developing world, but also generate a more stable livestock infrastructure globally for the benefit of us all.”

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.