Author: Rachel Wood
Feedlot sampling uncovers neglected gene involved in antimicrobial resistance
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have discovered how a previously overlooked gene is involved in antimicrobial resistance. The antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) encodes for an α/β-hydrolase, named EstT, capable of inactivating macrolide antibiotics commonly used to treat livestock diseases. The findings are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The research […]
Highly pathogenic avian influenza in mammals
Avian influenza caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, notably H5N1, has been causing global concern due to the unprecedented number of outbreaks since October 2021. As well as having a devastating impact on poultry farming, the spread of HPAI viruses to new geographical areas, wild bird die-offs, transmission to sea and land mammals, […]
Infectious bursal disease virus: new method developed to screen vaccine candidates
Researchers at The Pirbright Institute have developed new tools and techniques to determine the breadth of immune responses produced by vaccines against different variants of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Their study is published in the Journal of Virology. Eight IBDV genogroups have been identified and there are several variants of IBDV spreading in different […]
European project aims to develop innovative vaccines and diagnostics for livestock reproductive diseases
The goal of a 5-year project involving 16 partners representing 7 European countries (Italy, UK, Spain, France, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland) is to develop new and improved vaccines and diagnostic tools to better control livestock reproductive diseases with worldwide impact. The REPRODIVAC project, funded through the Horizon Europe framework programme, will focus on four priority […]
Mucosal vaccination protects mice against Brucella infection
Researchers at the University of Florida have demonstrated the efficacy of a novel vaccine for the protection of mice against Brucella melitensis infection. Their findings are published in Frontiers in Immunology. David Pascual and colleagues found that a live, attenuated vaccine delivered orally followed by an intranasal boost induced robust production of T cells in […]
FAO and WOAH launch next phase of PPR eradication programme
An event was held on 4th November at the Rome headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to mark the publication of a book celebrating the eradication of rinderpest and to launch the next phase of the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) Global Eradication Programme. Co-authored by FAO and the […]
Whole genome sequencing of Moraxella bovis identifies two major genotypes
Researchers in the USA have revealed that there are two different genotypes of Moraxella bovis, a bacterium that causes infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK, also known as ‘pinkeye’), an economically significant and painful eye disease that affects cattle worldwide. The findings, published in BMC Microbiology, will help researchers understand how different types of M. bovis cause […]
Highly pathogenic avian influenza: 2021-2022 epidemic is the largest ever observed in Europe
An unprecedented number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus detections were reported in wild and domestic birds from June to September in Europe, according to the latest overview by the European Food Safety Authority, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the EU reference laboratory. Between 11 June and 9 September 2022, […]
Exploring the relationships between antimicrobial use and resistance in Canadian turkey flocks
In a study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, researchers have modelled how antimicrobial use impacts the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli isolated from Canadian turkey flocks. The findings will help inform antimicrobial stewardship in the turkey sector. Csaba Varga, assistant professor of epidemiology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and his research group […]
Study indicates bovine coronavirus is highly prevalent on European dairy farms
MSD Animal Health has announced preliminary results of a field study evaluating the prevalence of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) in European dairy production. The findings, presented at the World Buiatrics Congress in Madrid on 5 September 2022, suggest that BCoV is commonly present in both the respiratory and enteric pathways in the dairy cattle population in […]