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: 20th March 2012
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 Sheep Scab Diagnostic Test to launch
Appeal to vets and farmers for help

The Moredun Research Institute and Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) have announced the development of a new diagnostic blood test for Sheep Scab. Caused by the Psoroptes ovis mite, Sheep Scab is a Notifiable Disease in Scotland and one of the most important diseases of an ectoparasitic nature in sheep in the wider UK. The new test detects host antibodies specific to a recombinant antigen found only in the sheep scab mite, meaning that the test can accurately detect if an infection is due to the scab mite and not another ectoparasite.

Moredun and SAC are now calling for the co-operation of vets and farmers in Scotland so that the new test's results can be successfully integrated with skin samples taken from animals believed or suspected to have a sheep scab infection. Veterinary surgeons interested in doing so are advised to contact their local SAC Veterinary Services Disease Surveillance Centre (DSC) for details.

Commenting, Dr Alasdair Nisbet of Moredun said “The development of a sensitive and specific blood test provides an important tool to aid control strategies for sheep scab. We appreciate the support of farmers and vets in submitting blood samples during this introductory phase, prior to the launch of the test for routine use at veterinary disease surveillance and investigation centres throughout the UK.”

More information about the research can be found here.

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.